Adam Hegedus talks to Year 12
It was an honour to have Old Boy and 2015 College Dux, Adam Hegedus come and speak with Year 12 this week. His wisdom and humble words of advice were well received by the students. He spoke about what inspired and motivated him during his HSC and subsequent studies, offering tips on how he would engage with lessons and prepare for exams. He reinforced the importance of collective effort, hard work and collaboration.
“It’s always great to be back at Waverley – a place which transformed my perspective and goals in life.”
Adam’s many school achievements include: an ATAR of 99.85; 1st in the State for Studies of Religion II; 15th in the State for Business Studies; honoured on the Premiers All Rounders List; College Prefect; Captain of Football – both 1st and 2nd XI; member of 1sts Debating team and active involvement in public speaking.
Upon graduating, Adam was awarded the University of NSW Academic Achievement Award and the highly sought Co-Op Scholarship to study Commerce, majoring in Information Systems and Management. A scholarship only awarded to 5 students each year, with close to a thousand applicants nationwide. He has since graduated his degree with Distinction.
Motivated by the Timor-Leste immersion he experienced here at Waverley College, Adam and classmate Alessandro Piovano chose to walk 21 days from Waverley College to Byron Bay in lieu of ‘schoolies’ and raised $20 000 to go towards building a school in Timor-Leste.
This event went on to inspire the development of Educating The Future (ETF), a youth-run, not-for-profit organisation that builds pre-schools in remote areas of Timor-Leste. Both Adam and Alexi are co-founders of this organisation which seeks to facilitate relief from poverty and generational disadvantage by providing access to pre-school education. ETF has established a volunteer team of students and an expert advisory panel, who are all committed to improving the quality of education in Timor-Leste.
Their major Fundraiser for 2022 will be held at Waverley College on Saturday, 6 August. To book a table or find out more details click here.
In 2020, Adam received a First Class Honours for his study into Women on large Australian Boards and is working with the industry to shape policy around board-level diversity. Adam has completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors Governance Foundations for not-for-profit directors.
Adam leads a social impact portfolio of work across the not-for-profit, international development, and higher education sectors. Currently Adam is the volunteer Chief Operating Officer and Company Secretary of Teach Us Consent. A movement founded by activist Chanel Contos lobbying for and providing holistic consent and sexuality education. Here, Adam supports the governance and regulatory compliance of the organisation, along with engaging with partners, grant applications, fundraising and research.
Most recently, Adam achieved a scholarship to study at the University of Oxford in September where he will be completing his Masters over the next two years. We wish him every success and look forward to continuing our connection with Adam and his endeavours.
From Ms Elizabeth Watson, Deputy Head – Teaching & Learning
