Former Students Return for International Women’s Day Event

Two students from our class of 2017 will return to the College on Friday as part of an International Women’s Day event for senior students.

Alison Vasjuta and Anna Cicalese are forging successful careers in health and environmental engineering. They will speak to students about their chosen pathways and the opportunities our students have ahead of them.

Alison was the College Dux in 2017. She studied a combined four-year degree, a Bachelor of Applied Science and a Masters of Physiotherapy at La Trobe University in Bundoora, graduating in 2022.

Alison now works as a hospital-based physiotherapist for Western Health and rotates across specialities, including neurological, musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory physiotherapy. She also works privately with children with disabilities in aquatic-based therapy.

“Physiotherapy is an in-demand career with the flexibility to work in various settings and with a variety of different people and conditions where no two days are the same,” Alison said.

“Being a physiotherapist can be a highly rewarding and deeply human career. It is an honour to be a part of someone’s life story, helping them learn to walk again, play the sport they love or live without pain.”

Anna also graduated from College in 2017. She studied a combined five-year double degree in Environmental Engineering (Honours)/Environmental Science, majoring in Hydrogeology and Environmental Chemistry at RMIT University, graduating in 2022.

Anna works as an engineer and scientist at GHD, one of Australia's largest engineering consultancy firms.

“I am challenged every day at work to problem-solve some of the planet's most challenging issues,” Anna said.

“Being an environmental engineer and scientist is such a rewarding career path. We get to use our skills to create a lasting, positive impact on the natural world around us and enhance the lives of all living creatures, plants and, of course, humans inhabiting this diverse planet.

“STEM careers are extremely in demand, diverse and offer opportunities for everyone to be at the forefront of innovation. Many STEM professions are all driven by the common goal of making the world a better place.”