The world of physics so excites James Nash State High School dux Elora Rookyard that she is pursuing a career through USC that will allow her to share it with others.

The 18-year-old OP3 student is about to begin a double degree in Secondary Education and Science at USC, following a year of outstanding academic and cultural success.

“Physics is my favourite science because I love learning about all the forces that influence our daily lives,” said Elora, whose long list of achievements in Year 12 includes subject awards for physics, maths B, maths C and German, and a Certificate for Excellence from the Australian Institute of Physics.

“It’s amazing when you understand how the world works,” she said.

“I plan to specialise in physics and mathematics during my degree because I have a strong passion for both subjects, and I want to share that with future students.”

Her parents Haydn and Simone Rookyard were also major factors in her decision to study Secondary Education and Science.

“My mum is a teacher and my Dad just finished his own Education degree, so I have seen the road you need to take to become a teacher and have insights into the career itself,” Elora said.

“Sharing their experiences enables me to know for certain that education is the path I want to pursue.”

The talented musician, who was the lead flutist in her school’s concert band, is eager to start a new chapter in her life when Semester 1 gets underway at USC on 24 February.

“I am looking forward to getting one step closer to my dream career, while making more friends and experiencing new things along the way,” said Elora, who will commute from Gympie to attend lectures and tutorials at USC’s Sunshine Coast campus.

“I have visited USC numerous times and it is a campus that I am now familiar with. It is also close to home so I can avoid the stress of moving away to study.”

There is still time to apply to study at USC in Semester 1.

— Clare McKay