HSC students are receiving their results and for one student in particular the news was very good.

Christina Chiaverini was the only Illawarra student this year to receive first in course honours.

The St Mary Star of the Sea student was awarded the honour of the best performed NSW student in Legal Studies.

A remarkable achievement.

Christina is hoping to continue her studies at the University of Wollongong by undertaking a law and economics degree.

For many other university students and for some TAFE students it is graduation time.

This is a time when they complete their studies and start to look at how they can take that leap into the work force. That’s the scenario many of these students will face..

Wednesday saw the first day of the summer graduations at UOW as well as graduation ceremonies at the Wollongong, Wollongong West, Shellharbour and Yallah TAFE campuses.

It is an important thing for all students to remember school results make up a part of who you are, but they don’t completely define who you are.

If you are not first on course or you do not achieve your own personal benchmark, then life does go on.

American politician, author and businessman Herman Cain said it best.

“Success is not the key to happiness,” Mr Cain said.

“Happiness is the key to success.

“If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”

Ultimately, treat setbacks in your life as nothing more and enjoy your successes.

Congratulations to all those students who are celebrating their achievements in coming days.

Well done. May it help you on your way to achieving your dreams.

The full list of the Illawarra’s HSC achievers will be published online from midday today from 12 midday and will also be printed in Friday’s edition of the Illawarra Mercury.