In a recent interview with the Year 12 English Studies class, Soraiya Fuda, National Content-led Growth and Insights Manager for 'The Australian' discussed the importance of taking care of ourselves and focusing on our mental health.

“I do believe mental health is the biggest issue facing young people today and we need to talk more about it,” said Soraiya Fuda.

“We don’t want to be ourselves if we’re a little bit different, we try to be ‘normal’,” said Ms Fuda.

Ms Fuda, an ex-student of St Patrick’s College, discussed the value of focusing on the positives and ensuring that we don’t listen to people that try to hold us back.

“Keep focused on what your end goal is and ignore the negative that comes with it.”

“Make sure your mind is stronger than the statistics and the noise that won’t get you there.”

Ms Fuda praised St Patrick’s College and its wonderful support for her current career.

“If it wasn’t for St Patrick’s College, I probably would not be sitting in front of all you today.”

She commented that being in Advanced English for her senior years was a real challenge, but it was something that she was very proud of. 

She recognised and thanked her English Teacher and the Careers Teacher, Mr Williams, for never giving up on her.

“I went to my Careers Teacher and asked him what I should be… and he said I should be a Journalist.”

“It is like he had a crystal ball.”

Ms Fuda started working for the 'In Macarthur' magazine and then moved into the 'Daily Telegraph'.

She was fundamental in the innovative movement of newspapers into apps and developed insights into how different demographics utilise media content. 

This lead to changes in the ways journalists have to think about content organisation.

Ms Fuda now works for 'The Australian' with a focus on National and Community News.

However, she still believes in the importance of a community focus.

When asked, Ms Fuda commented that the most memorable article she had ever written was a piece which allowed her to access the strong emotional connections we make as people. 

As a cadet journalist, she worked with a woman who was terminally ill, and even now, 15 years later, she still recognises this as one of the most valuable experiences of her career.

She is still in contact with the family and even mentors her children.

For Ms Fuda, a career should be something that allows you to develop and grow as a person. 

Year 12 English Studies thanks Soraiya Fuda for her time and wise words as we all undertake the HSC examination period. Her message to focus on being ourselves and staying positive is a timely reminder of the power of following our goals. 

“My advice to all of you is to really use the resources around you. I think it kind of goes a bit over our heads every now and again and we kind of go ‘oh yeah there is a careers advisor over here and a counsellor over here’ and we don’t always know how to use them.” 

“If you never ask the question, the answer will always be no”.

Written by Crystelle S, Danielle H, Toni E, Aiesha C, Gabrielle T and Zoe V - Year 12 Students