JACINTA MITCHELL - Class of 2015

1. What is one lesson, value, or tradition that has stayed with you in life beyond school? 

I recall that we were consistently reminded throughout our schooling what the core values of Vinnies are: generosity of spirit, hope, justice, respect, and service of the poor. They were the foundation of our community and informed everything we did. I believe the combination of my schooling as well as my family upbringing led me to the career I am in today. I work as a Solicitor for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and I encounter people daily who have suffered injustice at the hands of others or experienced trauma due to the commission of a crime. My desire to pursue justice while also discharging my obligations as a prosecutor and a solicitor of the court are bolstered by my sense of service to others.  

2. What have you been up to since graduating from Vinnies?

I graduated from Vinnies 10 years ago and reflecting on the time that has passed, I have been fortunate to experience a lot. I’ve travelled overseas to North America, Canada, Europe, Nepal, Thailand and India with friends and family. I broke my ankle on a skiing trip in Canada and have now fully recovered! When I first left school, I commenced a Bachelor of Law/Arts degree at the University of Notre Dame, where I met my now fiancé, and graduated in 2020. I started working as a Tipstaff to the Chief Judge of the District Court of NSW in 2021 and was admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of NSW in August during that time. I then commenced working at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in September 2022 and am still working there currently, practising as a solicitor. On a more personal note, I got engaged in January of this year and I am due to be married in a few months time at St Benedict’s Church which is on the campus of Notre Dame in Broadway. I am very excited for everything that 2026 has in store for me. 

3. When you think back to your time at Vinnies, what memory still makes you smile? 

I have fond memories of my Tutor Group 7 and all the lovely girls that I met from all year groups as I went from Years 7 to 12. I also have fond memories of the big school events such as St Vincent’s Day and House Dances. The enthusiasm and excitement on these big occasions was palpable and I loved the conviviality and sense of community. 

4. How has being part of the Vinnies community shaped who you are or the way you see the world? 

I hope that others consider me to be a resilient, compassionate and understanding person, which are values I was taught whilst a student at Vinnies. 

5. What do you think has changed most since you left school? 

When I was in Years 11 and 12, I studied Extension 2 Maths and thought that I wanted to be an actuary. At that time, I was dedicated to not studying law because I come from a family of lawyers, and I wanted to forge my own path. By the time I got to the end of Year 12, I had come to the realisation that I didn’t really know what career path I wanted to take. I chose to study law because I thought it was a versatile and adaptable degree to other industries. In my first year of uni, I studied criminal law and enjoyed it so much that in my final year of uni I studied an elective advanced course in criminal law. Being open to trying something that I initially was completely closed to the idea of has led me to a career that both fulfils and challenges me everyday. 

6. What advice would you give to current students or your younger self walking the halls of SVC?

I would tell my younger self to treat everyone with warmth and kindness. I would tell my younger self to have as many shared and different experiences with friends who fulfil and uplift me as much as possible because they are the memories I will cherish for years to come. The best friendships are built on trust, loyalty and laughter, and finding your people makes life so much more fun and enjoyable. I would also tell myself that “Those who matter, don’t mind. Those who mind, don’t matter.” 

7. Anything else you would like to share?

My mum is not a former Vinnies girl but she chose to send me to Vinnies because when she was in university, she met a former Vinnies girl and was struck by her confidence, intelligence and humility. I have three younger sisters who have also attended Vinnies. My youngest sister has just started Year 12 and was recently appointed Mission Captain. I’m immensely proud of my sisters and the young women they have become/are becoming. I thank Vinnies for allowing them the space to grow into the women they are today, and I thank my parents for making the conscious decision to send us to a school that produces women like my sisters and like the one my mum met when she was in university.