Phoebe’s in a good space

ST Hilda’s graduate Phoebe Grosser is one of thousands of Year 12 students across the Gold Coast about to kick their schooling years to the kerb.

And she’s got her sights firmly set on space.

The 18-year-old, who received the Gold Coast school’s prestigious Summa Cum Laude Dux award, has landed a scholarship to complete a Bachelor of Philosophy – Science at the Australian National University in Canberra.

Entry into this course requires an ATAR score of 99 but the educator estimates Phoebe will score an impressive 99.95 per cent and so offered her a place early.

Phoebe was born in Canberra, boards at the elite allgirls Southport school and lives the Bryon Bay hinterland during the holidays.

“I’ve loved the stars and space since I was in Year 3 and have owned a telescope since Year 5 and have been looking at the moon and planets since forever,” she said.

“I even have a moon journal and have located all the moon landing sites.”

But her passion for space was well and truly ignited on a Year 6 trip to Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre in Canberra.

“It made me want to study at ANU and I’m so excited that I’m going to be surrounded by inspiring people. It’s going to be really refreshing,” she said.

Being a boarder has also given her life skills to move away and live without family nearby.

“I suppose the laundry skills I have will be put to good use,” she said. “It’s definitely very strange to know that my schooling is over.

“I don’t feel like it’s hit me yet, that I am no longer going to be in the school environment.” in