As far as role models go, Albert Einstein would have to be one of the most difficult to emulate.
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But with a passion for physics, a spot on the Higher School Certificate all-rounders list and an ATAR of 98.7, Patrick Kelly is well on his way.
And, like violin-playing Einstein, Patrick uses music to balance his love of hard sciences.
Celebrating his HSC results yesterday, the former Bulli High School student said his success came mainly from choosing a combination of subjects he loved.
"I've been reading about subjects like physics and chemistry since I was in primary school, so while I was working really hard on them all the time I wouldn't exactly call it work," he said.
"I love learning about the way things work, and I've always been curious about how things function at the most basic level."
The gifted student was accelerated in advanced maths, maths extension 2 and chemistry - allowing him to space out his HSC assignments and exams over two years.
"It was really good to know I had those marks and subjects completed already but now I'll need to study some maths over summer to get ready for uni, because I haven't done it for a year," he said.
Patrick plans to study an advanced science degree in chemistry and physics and has already secured a selective entry place at the University of Wollongong.
He hopes to one day work at a top research agency like CERN in Switzerland.
As well as brushing up on his equations over summer, Patrick plans to pour his energy into playing the violin, piano and vibraphone.
"Music is my creative outlet so it really complements all the maths and science and it was a way to relax and stress less during the HSC," he said.
"Einstein used music to balance out his physics, and I really admire those sort of people who spend their time thinking about the world but also interacting on a human level."
