A Interview With Jessica Bartlett

Approaching the all-important Queensland Core Skills tests, Jessica Bartlett, a year 12 student at All Saints Anglican School, suddenly developed a mysterious illness. Sound like a creative excuse for getting out of sitting the tests altogether?? Not for this determined young student! Against doctors advice, she fought her way back to school, with the help of a wheelchair (!) and sat the tests in an effort to help raise the class average. We caught up with Jess after the tests to hear her inspiring story…

Can you tell us what you know about this ‘mysterious illness?’

I don’t know much at all about the mysterious illness except for the fact that it HURTS! I have had so many tests and the doctors are still lost as to what it could be. I am waiting for more results now, so, hopefully I should have some answers soon. I may have to have my appendix out just in case it’s that…

Is it likely to recur?

Yes, you see I’ve had it in the past a few times so it’s probably going to keep coming back until they figure it out and ‘fix’ it!

Otherwise, are you a pretty healthy person? You certainly look it!

Yeah, I don’t always eat the right things….but I try!

When were you admitted to hospital?

It was a week before the QCS tests. I spent three days there and was released under the condition that I rested up at home.

What made you decide to return to school to take the QCS tests?

Well, I needed to see my teachers as I had missed out on a few days. I had to catch up on any important information I had missed…and I had a few questions about the exams.

Why did you opt to put your health at risk for the sake of school?

I have been preparing for these tests for a whole year and I’ve worked really hard. I just couldn't bare to waste all that effort. Plus, the QCS tests go on class average and I felt I wanted to help keep the scores up if possible.

What was it like sitting the tests when you weren’t feeling well?

It was pretty tough because I had been lying down for a week, I felt really light-headed and dizzy during=the exams. I had to wheel myself around in a wheel chair!

What was the reaction from your friends?

They had all visited the hospital, which was really nice of them. They knew how serious it was so they were pretty shocked to see me wheeling around at school…

Did your parents support your choice? It seems very extreme!

Mum wanted me to stay home. Dad wanted me to go take the tests. Dad won!!

How do you think you went in the exams, anyway?

Pretty well, I believe it was definitely worth it now.

Judging from your actions in regard to your illness and the tests, you must be a very dedicated student….with a very strong spirit…can I ask you what your ambitions are for the future Jess?

I want to be a dietician, which means a degree in Bio-Medical Science. In order to get into that course I need an OP 7 and I have been predicted an OP 7-9! So, I’m right on the edge…another reason taking the exams was so important to me. Fingers crossed, I get in. I’m not thinking about alternatives yet because my heart is set on getting the score I need!

I’m guessing that with personal work ethics like yours, you will surely succeed in whatever it is you decide on.

Thanks for talking to “What A Girl Needs” Jess, you’re a true inspiration!