The Studio School caught up with alumna Madi Paddick (Class of 2023) to reflect on her journey since graduating and how her time at TSS helped shape her pathway into tertiary study.
1. What have you been up to since graduating from TSS?
After graduating from TSS in 2023, I began my tertiary studies at Murdoch University. I’m currently completing a Bachelor of Criminology, majoring in Criminal Behaviour, alongside a Bachelor of Global Security, with a focus on Terrorism and Counter-terrorism.
2. What was your learning experience like when you joined The Studio School?
I joined TSS midway through Year 11, and from the start I worked closely with staff and my mentors to co-design a custom learning program that suited my interests, abilities, and long-term goals.
3. What qualifications did you graduate with at TSS?
I graduated with my Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) and a Certificate IV in Business. This helped me secure an early offer and gain entry into my first preference at university.
4. How did The Studio School support you academically and personally?
Before coming to TSS, my educational journey wasn’t without struggles. I had lost my passions, my drive, and any hope I had of achieving my academic goals. TSS felt like my last chance, and I’m forever grateful that I took it.
5. How did the individualised learning approach at TSS prepare you for university?
TSS provided me with a dedicated, individualised support system that prepared me to pursue my post-school pathway. The staff understood where I wanted to be, knew they could support me to get there, and always believed in my abilities.
6. What do you miss most about your time at TSS?
I don’t miss the three-hour round-trip bus commute, but I do miss the community. I was genuinely so happy during my time at TSS. I loved engaging with staff, spending lunchtimes exploring Fremantle, going on coffee runs, and talking about anything true crime with anyone who would listen.
7. What advice would you give to current or future TSS students?
Always be curious and open to new ideas and challenges. Embrace change, take advantage of the diverse opportunities at TSS, and step outside your comfort zone. Every single day has the power to change your life.
We caught up with alumna Layla (Class of 2025) to reflect on her journey since graduating and how her time at TSS helped shape her pathway into working full time in her business and being accepted as the youngest ever participant into the 12-month business accelerator program Orbit.
1. What drew you to apply for the Business and Innovation Program, Orbit by Bloom?
Last year, someone from the program came to our open mic at TSS, and it immediately sounded really interesting. My teachers encouraged me to apply, and although I was a bit skeptical at first, after doing some research I realised it’s exactly the kind of opportunity I would love to be a part of.
2. You’re the youngest participant in the program. What does that mean to you?
Being the youngest participant is something I’m used to, since starting my business at 14, I’ve learned a lot and grown in confidence. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished at a young age, and I’m excited to keep pushing myself further.
3. How do you feel your time at TSS helped shape the way you approach opportunities like this?
TSS has taught me to just give things a go. The worst that can happen issomeone says no, and if you don’t try, you won’t get anywhere. I’ve alsolearned to approach opportunities with an open mind.
4. Were there particular skills you developed at TSS that you’re already drawing on?
Project time has been incredibly valuable in helping me manage my business alongside school work. It taught me self-discipline, organisation, and how to prioritise what’s important.
5. Looking back, how did your time at TSS support or encourage this pathway? Were there particular staff members?
TSS is such a supportive community. I was able to dedicate more time to my business and career than I would have at a regular school. All the teachers were encouraging, but especially Nina, Nicole, and Nat who really pushed me to do my best and helped me realise my potential.
6. Was there a moment, project, or experience at TSS where you realised business or entrepreneurship was something you wanted to pursue?
I started TSS already running my business for two years, but the school made me more confident and helped me see that I could pursue it full-time. I’m now running my business full-time, just two months after graduating.
7. What advice would you give to current (or future) students who might be thinking of an entrepreneurial project at TSS? And how can they make the most of Project Time?
My advice is to give everything a try. There’s no harm in experimenting and seeing what works for you. I went into TSS with an open mind, ready to try lots of different things, and that mindset really paid off. Project time is such a valuable resource. It’s a chance to dedicate time each week to something you love and care about, and it can really shape your future.
8. What advice would you give to other young people who want to start their own business?
My advice is to just start, even if it feels scary or uncertain, no one really knows exactly what they’re doing at first. Take it one day at a time, learn from your mistakes, and keep going. Surround yourself with people who support you, stay passionate about what you’re doing, and remember that no dream is too big if you’re willing to work hard for it.
9. What inspires you when creating your designs and running your business?
I love drawing inspiration from the world around me, fashion, nature, and my adventures camping, 4WDing, or spending time at the beach. Running my business is also inspiring because it lets me turn my ideas into something real and share them with others. Seeing people enjoy my designs and knowing I’ve created something meaningful keeps me motivated to keep growing and creating.
