1989 School Magazine

fuuA MATNSTONE The Queensland University of Technology Silver Medal is an award made in recognition of academic excellence. This year, the Q.UJ. Medal for the Faculty of Health Sci- ence was awarded to former Brisbane Cirls' Crammar stu- dent, Julia Mainstone, who graduated on April 18 with First Class Honours in the 4-year Bachelor of Applied Science (Optometry) course. Her academic performance was described by the Vice- Chancellor as very remarkable. The award is 'a rare honour being given only to a worthy candidate'. Julia entered B.C.C.S. in 1980 and was a prefect in her final year. While at school, she won many prizes including a Distinction in the Australian Mathematics Competition, High Distinction in the Chemistry Quiz and several Aca- demic Prizes before achieving excellent results on her Senior Certificate. Her extra-curricular activities were many, especially in the field of music, where she became Music Captain. Julia had a special interest in the Japanese language and in Year ll w,as awarded Fourth Prize in the Japanese Language Speaking Competition. At present, she is a practising optometrist on the Sunshine Coast.

Elizabeth Hartley

ELIZABETH HARTLEY Elizabeth Hartley, Head Cirl of 1986, is presently studying Pharmacy at the University of Queensland. At the end of her first year, she was chosen as one of two students (the other being Chris White, also a Crammar Old Cirl of 1986) in the University of Queensland/University of lowa Student Exchange Scheme, allowing her to study at the College of Pharmacy in lowa for her second year. Elizabeth was also awarded the Merek Sharp and Dohne Student Exchange Scholarship which offered considerable financial support. Arriving in mid-January, Elizabeth was confronted with icy footpaths and ternperatures of -50"C. Elizabeth writes: "There is a marked contrast between seasons in the United States. Spring (around March) is beautiful with many different coloured trees and shrubs blooming for a few weeks. Summer can be very hot and last year lowa experienced one of the worst droughts in hlstory. Fall(autumn) is magical with leaves turning beautiful colours and falling to the ground to make large mounds where children play. The tornadoes were very frightening. At one time there were five tornadoes around lowa City. Sirens blare to warn of the approaching tornadoes and the entire city became a huge siren, sending everyone to huddle in basements. The seasons really are in contrast to each other, more so than in Australia. A culture shock confronted me on my first morning in lowa City when my room- mate gave me strawberry, chocolate and blueberry donuts for breakfast. Where was my All Bran and yoghurt? That episode meant the end of health for a year. l've never eaten so much popcorn (by the bucketful), burgers, donuts, pastries, french fries, hot dogs, raspberry jelly, ice-cream and pop (soft drink) in a year. Academically the system of assessment in lowa is very different. Every week found me cramming for major exams. I prefer end of semester exams at Queensland Uni, despite the immense pressure. My three and a half months summer vacation enabled me to travel all over the States. I have ridden a boat to the foot of Niagara Falls, sailed around the Statue of Liberty in New York, waved to Nancy Reagan in the White House, descended and ascended the Crand Canyon, and kissed Pluto on the cheek at Disneyland.

lulia Mainstone

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