“Don’t live life with regret” a quote that Jordana Tonner lives her life by. Graduating in 2015 from Santa Maria College, Jordana stepped out into the big wide world as an elite athlete. Her experiences demonstrated persistence and resilience within her actions.

What is your favourite memory from your school days at SMC?
My favorite memory would have to be all the IGGSA swimming carnivals I was fortunate to be a part of. The atmosphere and team spirit are something you can’t really describe as it’s so unique, and it’s truly something you have to experience to understand the special feeling of the Santa team!

What pathway did you take at school (ATAR/ACCESS)?
I went with the ATAR pathway in school, although I changed my subjects around a lot. In Year 12 I took Maths, English, Physical Education, Religious Education and Business studies.

 After school, what has been your journey?
So far, my journey has entailed a lot of swimming, working in the fashion industry and studying a double major in marketing and advertising at Curtin. I have travelled to Europe and other small holidays along the way, but my journey is just beginning and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next few years.

Any successes/challenges along the way? What did you learn?
In terms of challenges, I actually stepped away from swimming for a while after leaving school as I was at a place where I didn’t know if my passion/love for the sport was still there. From taking a break, I’ve learned having a balanced lifestyle is really important for your happiness and general wellbeing. Success-wise, the last couple of years in the pool, I have been training the best I’ve ever trained and am getting some great results, but it’s all still a work in progress.

How has your pathway changed?
I wouldn’t say my pathway has changed necessarily, however, I have definitely gone off track a handful of times trying to figure out what I really wanted to do. I haven’t got any set pathway in place because situations and directions change all the time and I’m open to grabbing any opportunity that comes my way.

In life, what are you passionate about?
I am really passionate about living a healthy lifestyle and love to feel fit and strong. Exercise has always been a major component to my life being involved in elite sport and the day I retire from being an elite athlete I will continue to implement exercise into my daily life.

What has been life’s biggest lesson?
I personally think life is continuously teaching you lessons through every new experience you have. So far for me, it would be resilience. I have had some big obstacles to face since leaving school and although I wish to never go through them again, I am really thankful I had to face these obstacles head-on and work through them because I believe I wouldn’t be the strong person I am today.

Any advice for students about to head into the big, wide world?
To stay true to yourself, your morals and your values. I think it’s extremely important to hold your own in today’s world, there are so many distractions and toxic influences that you’ll encounter along your journey. It is important that you don’t feel like you have to run with the ‘norm’ and blend in with everyone else, stand out from the crowd and go that extra mile in whatever you have in sight. The results may not be obvious or immediate, but eventually, you’ll see it all shine through.

Patience is something that is really important when stepping into the big wide world. I know for myself I forget how young I am and sometimes want to do everything at once, but the reality is that doesn’t work. Be patient, having your mind set on something – it will happen just take one step at a time, go with the flow and enjoy what comes your way.

Any quotes you live your life by?
‘Don’t go to the grave wondering’ and ‘Don’t live life with regret’
If there is something you want to try in life whether it’s a job, sport, or travelling destination just do it! You don’t want to go through life saying ‘what if’ you never know what type of opportunities or life lessons will occur if you don’t try.