Q&A with Star Mail work experience student Celeste Duthie

Celeste Duthie has completed her work experience at Star Mail. PICTURE: Stewart Chambers

1. What is something people don’t know about you?

I’m super obsessed with crystals and have been collecting them since I was about two. They cover almost every single surface in my room and I’m always adding more.

2. Tell us about your time as a work experience student.

It’s been really interesting. Everyone has gone out of their way to help me and has given me the best experience they can. I was super excited to be able to do some writing. I also have got to see all the hard work that goes into the newspaper each week and truly get an idea of the creative process.

3. What has been your most memorable moment this week? Why?

Going out to an in-person interview has been the most fascinating. It was a moving story and the journalist I was with handled the delicate situation perfectly. I got to see a bit about how journalists need to approach different situations and what that can look like.

4. What do you love most about going to school in the Yarra Ranges?

Well, of course it’s so beautiful. I’ve learnt to really appreciate the little things about living here, one of them being the drive to school. I drive through some of the most stunning forests in the country and I am repeatedly in awe of how lucky I am to see this amazing place every day. It’s a privilege so many people don’t have.

5. What are some of your hobbies?

I’ll do just about anything creative. I adore playing music and try to do that as much as I can. Painting and drawing are things I’ve been doing for as long as I can remember, and I don’t plan to stop. And of course, reading – I’ll read whatever I can get my hands on. My favourite book must be the His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman. I’m yet to read another book that made me feel the same way.

6. What event, past present or future would you like to witness?

I’d really like to see what the sky looks like in ten thousand years. We’re always told some of the light we’re seeing is coming from stars that have already died so I’d love to see how many constellations will have changed by then.

7. Who do you admire the most?

I’ve been surrounded by brilliant men and women my whole life and I can’t pick just one. They have all inspired and encouraged me in different ways. Both my parents, especially, will forever have my admiration.

8. What would you like to see more of in the paper?

I really love horoscopes and star signs so I think it would be so fun to have a little section on the star sign of the month and their fortune. When I was little, I’d always search for my lucky numbers.