A passionate advocate for mental health awareness with a stellar academic background, Laura Quintero exemplifies resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to fostering supportive communities.
A graduate of Caulfield Grammar School in 2019, she has already made remarkable strides, earning first-class honours in Psychology from RMIT University and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Melbourne. Her academic foundation, coupled with extensive research and practical experience, reflects a dedicated pursuit of knowledge and advocacy that continues to inspire.
During her years at Caulfield’s Wheelers Hill campus, she embraced every opportunity to grow and explore her interests. Excelling both in the classroom and beyond, she balanced academic pursuits with an active involvement in sports and music. Serving on the senior school committee, as House Captain and as Captain of the first hockey team in her final year stands out as some of her proudest achievements, while participation in the choir until from Year 7 to Year 11 added a creative dimension to her experience.
One of her standout memories was participating in the Year 9 China experience. Spending five weeks immersed in a completely different culture helped develop independence and personal growth at a critical juncture of her life. Learning to adapt and thrive in unfamiliar environments left a lasting impression, as did the strong friendships formed during the trip. The influence of dedicated teachers, such as her Year 8 Chinese teacher, Miss Parfitt, also left an indelible mark.
The passion for psychology that shaped her career was ignited early when she took on the subject as a Year 10 and 11 student. Supported by mentors and guided by her natural curiosity, this early exposure helped refine her focus on mental health advocacy. It was a deeply personal experience with a loved one’s mental health journey that further reinforced her determination to make a difference.
Her dedication has extended far beyond the confines of the classroom. While at university, she thrived in roles that leveraged her creativity, leadership, and collaborative spirit. These included serving as a peer mentor for first-year students, working as the social media coordinator for the Melbourne Student Exchange Society, and taking on the non-fiction staff writer role at Farrago Magazine.
The prestigious Melbourne Global Scholar Award marked another milestone, allowing her to complete a life-changing exchange program at the University of Birmingham.
Currently taking a gap year, she remains as purpose-driven as ever. Between coaching tennis and hockey at Caulfield Grammar and volunteering at Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria, she dedicates her time to creating impactful connections.
For current students and young alumni, her advice is simple yet impactful. “Try everything, even the things that scare you. Some of my most rewarding experiences came from stepping out of my comfort zone.”
Looking ahead, the next chapter involves starting a Master’s degree in Psychology, with a focus on either sport or educational and developmental psychology. She hopes to continue combining her academic expertise with outreach efforts, contributing meaningfully to mental health awareness.
Regardless of the specific path, her vision remains clear – to create informed, supportive, and resilient communities.
