Collie student is Curtin dux

Former Collie Senior High School student Megan Swindell graduated from Curtin University earlier this month as dux of the university’s occupational therapy undergraduate degree.

“It’s pretty amazing and quite humbling ... I felt really honoured,” she said.

“It was a bit surreal because I finished studying back in November but had the graduation ceremony just this month so it’s been a bit of a whirlwind.”

Miss Swindell described herself as a “stress-head” and a perfectionist with countless hours going into study and making sure her assessments were finished to the highest possible quality.

“I always did my best and all that hard work paid off,” she said.

When news first broke of her achievement on the Collie Senior High School Facebook page, the post attracted an incredible response, resulting in more than 80 comments and 305 likes from the school community.

School principal Dale Miller served as both principal and deputy principal during Miss Swindell’s time at the school and said she had always been a great student and worked hard.

“It’s exciting for both the school and the community, because it shows students they can aspire to achieve any goal they set their mind to,” she said.

“Just because you’re in a regional school, it doesn’t mean you can’t achieve your dreams.”

Straight out of university, Miss Swindell started working at a regional mental health centre in Katanning but recently started a new job at a private paediatric practice in Bunbury and said she had no immediate plans to continue studying.

“I’m hoping to find my feet in the industry and take it from there, whether or not that leads to more study I’m not sure at this point,” she said.

“I can’t wait to see where it takes me.”