Sam has a plan

For Sam Croger and his fellow students, this is a time of uncertainty. While he's waiting for, and unsure of his HSC results, Sam is sure of one thing - the University of Newcastle is where he wants to be.

So sure, the former school captain of St Paul's High School at Booragul chose the University of Newcastle in every one of his nine university preferences. He says, "It's a big university – they offer pretty much everything you'd want. It's convenient and the social life there is good. And because it's close to home I can stay in touch with all my friends."

Ideally Sam wants to become a mechanical engineer. A desire inspired by the University's Science and Engineering Challenge – where as a Year 10 student, Sam competed in a range of science and engineeringbased activities.

"I really enjoy learning how things work and solving problems," he explains, adding that this interest extends also to technology. It's an area in which Sam is now looking for part-time work before starting university next year. Sam is also planning to attend the University of Newcastle's upcoming Advisory Day. "It will help me to make up my mind and make sure I'm choosing the right thing," he says.

Just like Sam, thousands of students are eagerly waiting to find out how they fared in the HSC. The University of Newcastle will be holding an Advisory Day on 5 January from 2-6pm at its Newcastle, Central Coast and Port Macquarie campuses to help any prospective students who have questions or need advice.

Portrait of Sam Croger was taken by Chris Brown, Bachelor of Fine Art.