Into the mind of a student: a space filled with ambition, anxiety, resillience and adaptability. Today's students navigate an evolving world, balancing academics, social pressures, personal growth and the looming question of what lies beyond the classroom. A typical student's thoughts are often a blend of optimism and worry - thinking about future careers, exams and personal passions, all while contending with a whirlwind of adolescence.

For some students like me, there's the drive to excel, fueled by dreams of careers in science technology business or art. We attend school with goals in mind, ready to make the world a better place. We're inspired by mentors, competitions, and the achievements of those who came before them. Yet we're also aware of the challenges ahead from climate change to economic instability and how these will shape our futures.

I am a year 12 student. Life as a year 12 student is a bit like standing on a cliff edge, staring into the unknown while juggling the demands of right now. Every day is a mix of excitement, stress, and the constant question: Where am I headed?

Being a student today isn't just about classes and textbooks; it's a balancing act. There's a lot beneath the surface- thinking about future careers, grappling with exams, navigating social circles and figuring out what truly makes us happy. We're encourages to be ambitious, to build impressive CVs and to chase top grades, but sometimes, it feels like there's hardly any room left to just 'be'.

We're caught somewhere between dreaming big and the pressures of each test, assignment and expectation.

Ofcourse there's also the question of self discovery. At this age we're trying to figure out who we are and where we fit into the world. With social media showing us everyone else's highlight reel, it's easy to feel lost or like we're not doing enough. The pressure to 'have it all figured out' is real even though deep down we know it's okay to not have all the answers right now.

One thing that makes this journey bearable, though, is the support we find in friends and family. As I carry the ghost of all the versions I have been before, I also hold the memories of those who loved me through all of those phases. Yes, the path is challenging, but with the right people around us, every step feels a little more manageble.

So here's a glimpse into our minds: we're ambitious, uncertain, hopeful and a little bit scared too. We're on this journey of discovery and while the future may be a mystery, we're ready to face it head-on.