Name: Ariel Russell
Graduation Year: 2018
Current Role:
Freelance Creative, Model, Photographer, Videographer, Content Creator & Confidence Coach
Following an Unconventional Path: From Science to the Creative Industries
A Creative Spirit from the Beginning: Ariel Russell completed her entire secondary school journey at Thomas Carr College, attending from Year 7 through to Year 12 before graduating in 2018. While naturally creative and artistic, she also had a strong interest in science, creating a unique blend of passions that would later shape her career path. Throughout her school years, Ariel was known for her artistic talents, often creating paintings, handmade Christmas cards and custom artworks for her teachers.
Funny enough, Ariel never really left the Thomas Carr community. During her final Year 12 assembly, an opportunity arose to work in the College Uniform Shop. She accepted and has remained connected to the College ever since.
“I’ve never really left the Thomas Carr community and I still get to see some of my favourite teachers when I’m at the uniform shop.”
Finding Belonging Through Creativity and Connection
Although Ariel describes herself as shy during her school years, she immersed herself in a variety of experiences and opportunities. She studied both Art and Science subjects, as well as Italian, and built strong relationships with teachers across the College.
Her creativity was most visible during College events. One of her favourite memories was volunteering as a face painter during Thomas Carr Day, where she spent the entire day bringing smiles to students’ faces through her artwork.
Ariel also embraced leadership opportunities and was appointed Vice Captain of Maynooth House in Year 12. She fondly remembers the energy, colour and spirit of the College’s sporting carnivals and seeing students come together to celebrate their House pride.
The Teachers Who Encouraged Her Talents
When reflecting on the teachers who made a lasting impact, Ariel speaks warmly about the educators who recognised and nurtured her creativity.
One teacher who stands out is Mr Feleter, whose encouragement and genuine care left a lasting impression.
“He saw that artistic side in me and really encouraged me to continue with my arts. He would always ask about it. He was always so kind, always interested in how things were going, and just a really good listener.”
She also remembers her Textiles teacher, Ms Gorgoski, whose dedication and willingness to support students beyond the classroom demonstrated the care and commitment of the Thomas Carr teaching staff.
“Her kindness and constant support was outstanding. She always had a smile and was always willing to help us with our designs.”
Another teacher Ariel remembers fondly is her Religion teacher, Miss Udovic, whose warmth and positivity helped make a lasting impression throughout her time at the College.
“She was a very gentle and kind woman, always smiling and making class a joy.”
For Ariel, the relationships she built with teachers were one of the defining aspects of her time at Thomas Carr College. Their encouragement, kindness and belief in her helped shape both her confidence and her willingness to pursue her passions.
An Experience That Changed Everything
One of the most significant opportunities Ariel experienced was participating in the Mission Immersion Trip to the Philippines at the beginning of 2018. Travelling with a small group of students, Father Jude and College staff, she encountered communities and children whose stories broadened her perspective on life.
The experience had a profound impact on her and continues to influence her work today. The immersion experience also inspired her ongoing commitment to community service. Today, Ariel volunteers with Very Special Kids, supporting children and families experiencing palliative care challenges.
“That trip was incredible and very eye-opening. I’m still connected to a lot of the children that I met there who are now adults.”
Preparing for Life Beyond Thomas Carr
Looking back, Ariel credits her time at Thomas Carr College with helping her develop the independence, resilience and interpersonal skills needed to navigate life after school. While her career path has ultimately taken her in an unexpected direction, the foundations built during her VCE years helped prepare her for the challenges of university, work and adult life.
The diverse and inclusive nature of the College community also broadened her perspective and helped her build confidence when connecting with people from different backgrounds.
From Biomedical Science to a Creative Career
Following graduation, Ariel enrolled in a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at Deakin University, majoring in Immunology and Infection. While she found science fascinating and successfully completed her degree, she gradually realised her future lay elsewhere.
She considered careers in nursing and medicine, even sitting the GAMSAT, before recognising that her true strengths and passions were rooted in creativity.
“I find science really interesting, but I am very art-based. Eventually I realised it wasn’t the path I wanted to go down.”
After university, Ariel transitioned from working in medical and dental reception roles into the creative industries. She was offered a position as a Talent Manager with a modelling agency and soon expanded her work into photography, videography, styling, content creation and social media management.
Today, Ariel describes herself as a freelance creative, balancing a diverse career that includes modelling, photography, videography, content creation, confidence coaching, seminar facilitation and Pilates instruction.
Finding Confidence Through Leadership
One of Ariel’s greatest personal achievements has been overcoming the fear and shyness she experienced as a student.
As Vice Captain, she was required to speak at assemblies and public events, experiences that initially filled her with anxiety. Over time, however, she discovered that stepping outside her comfort zone helped build the confidence she now draws upon every day.
“I was so shy. I hated oral presentations. I would almost cry thinking about them. But after speaking at an assembly, I realised it wasn’t too bad after all.”
Today, Ariel regularly delivers seminars to groups of up to 150 young women, coaches aspiring models and confidence-builders, and has represented Victoria twice on the national stage through Miss Universe Australia.
Achievements and Looking Forward
Reflecting on her journey, Ariel is proud not only of her professional accomplishments, but also of the personal challenges she has overcome.
Among her career highlights are co-hosting runway shows for Melbourne Fashion Festival and Melbourne Fashion Week, appearing in campaigns for major brands including Kmart and Coles, and being featured in Vogue.
Most importantly, she is grateful for the life she has built, her career, her community involvement and the support network around her.
“I’m just happy to be here and be happy and healthy.”
A Message for Current Students
When asked what advice she would offer current Thomas Carr College students, Ariel encourages them to embrace who they are and make the most of the opportunities before them.
Looking back, Ariel is thankful for the teachers, experiences and opportunities that shaped her journey.
“I’d love to say a big thank you to everyone that shaped my experience and led me to the person that I am today.”
Follow Ariel’s journey here.
