This year, the Galstaun College Alumni have established the "big brother big sister" mentor program. This involves graduates of Galstaun College pairing up with year 12 students with the same study and career goals that they aspire to undertake. The aim of this program is inspire the current senior students, supporting them as they tackle their final schooling year, leading them into into their university, tafe and further tertiary studies.


After only a few short months the big brother big sister program has been a great was for me as a year 12 student to connect with someone who has been in my shoes and who has gone through the stressful aspects if the year to come. I feel so privileged to have been paired with ex student Caroline Geroyan with whom I connected instantly. After meeting for coffee, Caroline made me feel very welcome as we discussed all the exciting things we could do together throughout the year, having a shared interest in both travel and journalism. I feel that Caroline will definitely be a source of motivation and guidance who will lead me in the right direction and help me to reach my goals and ambitions. I can definitely say that this mentoring program has opened my eyes and allowed me to obtain the necessary advice and information needed to survive this stressful and exciting year ahead of me! Furthermore, I am thrilled to have made the acquaintance of Caroline, with whom I definitely see a friendship transcending the remaining months of the year and continuing into the future.

- Patil Sevagian

Because I was heading overseas I could not make the initial meeting (surprise, surprise), so Patil and I arranged our own “meet and greet” at a local teahouse. We go along beautifully, chatting away about schoolwork, friends, family and travelling. There was an instant connection between us, and I truly feel like have gained a “little sister.” Somewhere between my 1^st and 3^rd cup of tea I realised that this program was not just about helping my buddy through year 12. It involves developing a bond, listening and being empathetic. I wish I had a mentor when I was in year 12, but I am so honored that I can be here for Patil, helping to ease her journey through this trying and stressful stage. My advice to every year 12 student sitting the HSC this year is to enjoy this final year of their schooling life and to take it all in. Yes, it is stressful and frightening but you will be rewarded by all the effort you put in – just do your best and find a balance in your life.

More than just becoming her mentor, this program has allowed Patil and I to develop a great friendship. We have had lunch at Manly Beach and speak almost every day. We have even been grocery shopping together! I enjoy being apart of her life and hope I can inspire her to achieve her greatest potential. I am so proud of Patil and of all her achievements and have the utmost faith that she will perform well not only in year 12, but also throughout her life.

- Caroline Geroyan

- Daniel Nedel

When I was asked to be a mentor my first thought was “What am I going to talk about with this student?” People always seem to think that it is the student that will be anxious, not the mentor. But boy was I surprised, the mentor program has been just as rewarding for me as I hope it is for Daniel. The program is not only a useful exercise for the college but a way in which to connect the thoughts and ideas of students in year 12 with those who have spent a few years in the workforce. I found Daniel to be very enthusiastic about his planned endeavors after school and not only because school is nearly over after 13 years!

As the study of history is a challenging career, Daniel and I discussed the pros and cons of his career choice. I made some suggestions that perhaps Daniel hadn’t thought about and he was open minded in taking these on but also clear about his passions and dreams. I hope to keep in touch with Daniel during his time at university. What I have discovered is that mentoring is a great way to guide and empower a student along their way to greatness. After all, spoon-feeding in the long run teaches us nothing but the shape of the spoon.

- Armen Karamanian