By Bonny Burrows
“Follow your heart, do what you enjoy and you’ll find a way”.
That’s the advice former Kooweerup Secondary College school captain Jackson Denereaz has for students heading into their final years of schooling.
The 23-year-old knows firsthand how daunting VCE can be – especially for those without a clear vision.
Mr Denereaz was “not the most academic” student during his schooling and tertiary studies, but followed his parents’ advice – study what you love.
For Mr Denereaz that was finance at Monash University.
He said he hadn’t regretted that decision for a moment.
“Because I loved it, I didn’t see it as a chore,” Mr Denereaz said.
“I’m not the most talented … .far from it, but I when I don’t get something, I work hard to understand it.”
And work hard he did.
At university Mr Denereaz made the 2016 Monash Dean’s List and was also recognised for his work in International Business Strategy.
“Mum’s pretty proud of that one,” he said.
Shortly after graduation, Mr Denereaz secured work at Melbourne accounting and consulting firm Grant Thornton.
He’s since moved to St Kilda to be closer to work, but recently returned home to Kooweerup Secondary College for its inaugural LEAP awards night.
Kooweerup Secondary College assistant principal Margaret Nicolson personally invited the former student back to inspire others.
Ms Nicolson was the home group teacher throughout his secondary schooling, and has remained close to the Denereaz family since his graduation.
Ms Nicolson said she hoped his story would inspire others to not give up.
“Jackson wasn’t the best academic, but he always retained a humility which I loved about him,” Ms Nicolson said.
“His absolute focus was always on achieving his personal best.”
Feedback from Mr Denereaz’s speech was overwhelmingly positive, according to the assistant principal.
“Everybody was really happy we got Jackson back to speak to the students, and everyone agreed that he was a positive inspiration who others at our school could look up to,” Ms Nicolson said.
“He may only be from Kooweerup Secondary College, but he is making his mark on the world and doing things his way,” Ms Nicolson said.
Mr Denereaz admitted the praise was a bit overwhelming, especially as “I haven’t worked out what I want to do yet”.
“It’s very humbling to have people say I was aspirational, and even just to be invited back to the school,” Mr Denereaz said.
“I’m just seeing where life takes me.”
