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 a Bachelor of Science from the University of Melbourne and First-Class Honours in Psychology from RMIT University. Building upon this exceptional foundation, Laura is now returning to the University of Melbourne to commence her Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental). This next step in her journey reflects a dedicated pursuit of specialised knowledge and a deep-seated desire to advocate for the well-being of young people.
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 of Holmes House and as Captain of the First hockey team in her final year stand out as some of her proudest achievements, while participation in the choir 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.
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 completing her Master’s degree in Educational and Developmental Psychology, with the aim of continuing to integrate her academic expertise with community outreach and contributing meaningfully to the promotion of mental health awareness. Regardless of the specific path, her vision remains clear – to create informed, supportive, and resilient communities.
