Hundreds of past students of St Joseph’s School are scattered throughout Australia and around the world, working across every industry. We’re proud of our past students and their achievements – big and small. In future newsletters, we will be highlighting a past student and sharing what they have been up to since leaving the Joey's gates. 

HEATHER DEZUANNI

What year did you graduate?

1990 - When the high school finished at Year 10 and I had to go to Stanthorpe State High School.

What were your favourite subjects at St Joseph’s School?

Art and Science. I loved our little art department and my teacher at the time (Mrs Pollard) would let me spend extra time before and after class. It was a really nurturing space for me. 

Can you tell us about your time at St Joseph’s School? Is there anything you especially remember?

Is there anything you especially remember? From primary school I remember playing during lunch time and rolling down the hill between the top and bottom oval and getting dirty. From high school I remember all of the teachers being kind and encouraging. Being a teenager was hard but I always felt like the teachers were lovely to me. I also loved my sports and the school and local community were incredibly supportive with me running a little local Karate club. I’ll always be grateful for that.  

What has been your journey since finishing school? Briefly outline your career path and what you are doing now. Have you always wanted to pursue the kind of career you have embarked on?

I really had no idea what I wanted to do when I left school. I knew I wanted a career and to see the world and go on adventures. I knew I wanted to contribute to my community but had no idea how to do that. After I finished Year 12 I started a Bachelor of Science at the University of Queensland, but didn't finish my degree and ended up joining the Queensland Police in 1995.  I became a qualified detective working in Child Protection and then transferred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in 2008.  I worked overseas in capacity development and peace keeping.  I also worked for the United Nations for a year. It was pretty exciting at times. I think I probably gave my parents more than one heart attack. While I was working overseas I started looking for my next challenge in life and met some doctors and nurses with incredible backgrounds.  They encouraged me to apply for medicine so after some more study and getting myself ready to sit the entrance exam I applied and was accepted to start in 2014. I graduated from Griffith University, Doctor of Medicine in 2017. I’ve been working in a small hospital in Brisbane and I start my General Practitioner training next year.

What do you believe St Joseph’s School has shown you/given you as a person?

St Joseph’s School had given more to both my family and I can express.  My parents just wanted us to have more opportunities in life than they had as poor farmers and an Italian immigrant.  They probably couldn’t afford the small fees all of the time, but it wasn’t a problem. We were always welcome in the St Joseph’s community.  Those small acts of kindness have had a phenomenal flow on effect.  My brother had the opportunity through St Joseph’s School to attend Marist Brothers in the 80’s through a bursary.  Because of my brother’s influences and encouragement and kindness from my teachers I also wanted an education and a career.  I would never be where I am without St Joseph’s School.

What piece of advice would you have for current students at St Joseph’s School?

If you can dream it, you can do it. Truly, you can. I could never have imagined being where I am now.