Andrew and Giselle, parents of Virtual School Victoria (VSV) alumnus Elan, recently wrote a moving letter to our Executive Principal, Fiona Webster, sharing their son’s inspiring journey. Elan, who studied at the Distance Education Centre of Victoria (DECV – now VSV) from 2012 to 2016, has just achieved his dream job after completing a PhD in immunology at Monash University’s Alfred Hospital Precinct. His academic journey also includes a Biomedicine Science degree with Honours and a string of excellence awards.
But Elan’s path was far from easy.
Diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in high school, his condition made regular attendance difficult. In Year 11, his mainstream school determined his attendance was insufficient and required him to withdraw from school.
“This decision was demoralising, particularly as he was managing CFS symptoms with discipline and perseverance beyond his age,” his parents shared.
Their initial enquiries at DECV offered hope.
“Importantly, the learning advisors reassured him that completion was possible and that many students with special needs can be supported to complete VCE.”
In 2015, Elan graduated with an impressive ATAR of 92.3. Importantly, he also gained the confidence to manage his CFS while living away from home and studying full-time.
“We would like to acknowledge with gratitude the great role your school has played in giving him a sense of hope and helping him develop his intelligence and capacity,” shared his parents.
“We sometimes find ourselves thinking of what might have happened if Distance Ed had not been there. We usually stop thinking too much along this vein and are grateful that it was.”
Elan’s journey from overcoming health challenges to excelling academically has led him to achieve his dream job
Message from Executive Principal, Fiona Webster
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