Ella & Estela Return – Economics & Honest Chat with Year 12s
Our Year 12 Economics students had a special visit today – past students Ella Sharman and Estela Taranto (Class of 2024) came back to chat all things uni, life after school, and why they chose to study Economics.
The girls are both at Curtin University, Estela completing a Bachelor of Advanced Commerce and Ella completing a double degree in Law and Commerce. They shared their lived experience, the highs, lows and surprises of gaining entry into university and their first year of university life.
“I’ve been loving Commerce, especially at uni,” said Ella.
Real Talk from Real Students
Leaving school is exciting – but let’s be honest, it is also a bit nerve-wracking. Choosing courses, making new friends, finding your way around uni, balancing study with life – it is a lot. That is why chats like this matter.
Ella and Estela shared:
- Why Economics was the right ATAR choice for them
- What uni has been like so far
- How they managed the big jump from school to uni
They also answered all the questions our Year 12s really wanted to ask – from managing stress to navigating workloads and finding your people.
Just One Year On…
There is something powerful about hearing from someone who was literally in your shoes this time last year. Their stories are honest, relatable, and packed with little nuggets of advice that make a big difference.
Ella’s top tip? “Don’t put too much pressure on yourself in your studies, apply for as many scholarships as you can and enjoy everything that Year 12 has to offer”
Why It Matters
These conversations are not just about university or subject choices. They are about showing our girls that there is no one ‘right’ way to do life after school and that it is normal to feel unsure at times. They are also about building confidence, sparking ideas, and giving them a real glimpse into what is next.
We speak about understanding the real world, building independence, resilience, and critical thinking, and sessions like this are one way we bring that to life.
- ATAR, CurtinUniversity, Economics, Featured, LifeAfterSchool, SantaMariaCollegeAlumni, StudentSuccessStories, Year12Inspiration
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
From the President – September 2026
The September President’s Report reflects on a busy August for our alumni community, from the Pleiades Gathering to preparations for upcoming events. Catch up on the latest news from the Old Girls’ Association and the connections continuing to grow across our community.
Fiona’s Career Supporting WA’s Rescue Helicopter Service
From a vocational pathway at Santa Maria to supporting WA’s life-saving rescue helicopter service, Fiona’s career shows where opportunity can lead. Discover how the Class of 2002 graduate built a 20-year career with DFES and her advice for young women considering emergency services.
Coming Home – Alumni Celebrate the Cultural Centre
Santa Maria College alumni gathered to celebrate the opening of the College’s new Cultural Centre, reconnecting with classmates and celebrating the role of the arts in the community. The evening featured performances by current students and a 42-member Alumni Choir, highlighting the lifelong connections and shared experiences that continue to bring Old Girls back to the College.
Weekly Wrap Up – Week 8, Term 3
Overture: Celebrating Our Year 12 Artists and Designers
