A high school student from Beachmere has gained a running start to university life after completing two courses through USC’s award-winning Headstart program.

Northpine Christian College student Kiah Vescovi, 16, is midway through her second university subject after successfully completing a health science subject earlier this year.

Headstart enables Year 11 and 12 students to study university-level subjects, earning credit towards their Queensland Certificate of Education and a USC degree at the same time.

A high-achieving Year 11 student, Kiah said she jumped at the chance to try university life before finishing high school.

“Headstart seemed to be a great chance to find out what university is all about while I’m still at school,” she said. “I knew I wanted to go to USC, so I thought, ‘why not get started early’?

“I did a course called Introduction to Behavioural Health last semester, and now I’m halfway through Communication and Thought.

“Doing these courses helped me in my school assignments, and I learned a lot about working independently and setting goals for myself.”

USC will outline full details of the Headstart program at a Meet USC event at its Sunshine Coast and Fraser Coast campuses on Tuesday, 12 September from 4pm. The event is an opportunity for parents and students in Year 10, 11 or 12 to learn more about study options and how to apply for Headstart and other USC programs.

Kiah, who plans to study Health or Education at USC’s new Caboolture campus, said her initial nerves at signing up to Headstart were allayed by the friendly environment at USC.

“I was a little intimidated by the idea of being a high school student in a university lecture theatre, but everyone in my class was there for the same reason,” she said. “I met some really interesting people.

“My lecturer was really supportive, and I could tell how passionate he was about the subject. It made me even more motivated to do well.”

To register to attend the Meet USC event or find out more about the program, visit the Headstart page.

— Gen Kennedy