By ALESHA CAPONE
A TALENTED teenager from Keilor East has won a prestigious scholarship to the Swinburne University of Technology.
Christina Spinazzola, 18, has been awarded a Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship to study a Bachelor of Design (Communication Design).
When she graduated from Ave Maria College last year, Christina received an ATAR score of 96.6 for her VCE studies, then applied for the scholarship at the encouragement of her friend Adele.
“I was just in shock a bit I guess, I didn’t expect to get a high ATAR let alone a scholarship,” Christina said.
“I’ve always wanted to do something with design. I’m always doing something creative.
“What I enjoy most about the course is that we can do lots of different things related to design.
“At the moment, I really enjoy digital design, and next year for my electives I picked film and television.”
Christina said her favourite VCE subjects were media and visual design and communication, but studying at university was different to Year 12.
“At university, you have to be a lot more self-motivated. You really have to be dedicated to the course and what you’re doing,” she said.
In addition to her studies, Christina has two jobs at Zara and Hoyts at Highpoint Shopping Centre, plus works on artwork in her spare time.
“I guess what I enjoy most is seeing the finished product and people’s reaction to it,” she said.
“It gives you satisfaction after all the hard work you put in.”
Christina advised other young artists to “keep practising” if they did not feel confident using a particular computer program or drawing.
“I think while you’re at school, give everything your best shot and anything can happen,” she said.
