And she's doing it despite an anxiety disorder which has made forming friendships and learning extremely difficult — especially during COVID-19 restrictions, with remote classes not allowing her a proper chance to get to know those in her year level.
Ms Simpson, 19, will be joining Greater Shepparton Secondary College teachers in Term 4 as a classroom assistant during her final months of Year 12 at the McGuire campus, having already completed her schoolwork well ahead of schedule.
It's part of her dream to help students who are struggling, just like she has.
But the road to where she is today as an outstanding student completing the senior level of the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL), has been difficult.
Ms Simpson has selective mutism, a childhood anxiety disorder which manifests in certain social settings.
“I have friends who, when I get close and comfortable, I can be loud and myself — but most people who I meet for the first time think I’m shy,” she said.
“I’m actually really outgoing.”
As an example, Ms Simpson recounted her experience of school playgrounds.
“I was always worried about who I was going to talk to at lunch, and I was often the only one who didn’t have a partner,” she said.
“Instead, I had to partner up with the teachers.
“When I was sitting by myself, I had to be invited to sit with a group of kids because I couldn’t take myself over there by myself.”
To make matters worse, Ms Simpson's disorder has made learning a nightmare at times.
It forced her to repeat Year 8, as well as change schools from Mooroopna Secondary College to Shepparton Christian College, and back to Mooroopna.
Her mother, Leonie Simpson, said Ellie would go to school and just want to stay out of sight.
“She wouldn’t ask questions and would really stress about who she might have lunch with or where she might be sitting in class, rather than learning.”
Ms Simpson said she had been looking forward to finally getting on top of things during Year 12 at the newly merged super school.
“I did think Year 12 was the chance for me to get it, but corona hit and now I’m just at home, so it’s hard seeing everyone else having friends when you don’t,” she said.
But Ms Simpson has used the opportunity to knuckle down to her studies.
McGuire campus Year 12 VCAL literacy teacher Katrina Essex has been blown away by Ms Simpson, who has now won an award for being an outstanding student.
“She has done a huge amount of high-quality work on her own and we’ve run out of assignments for her to do!” Ms Essex said.
“This will give her a head-start on her future studies.”
Ms Simpson said her teachers contacted her asking if she wanted to work with them in Term 4 to help tutor Year 7 students who are having some difficulties in class.
“I'm looking forward to creating some friendships with the Year 7s — there must be some who are feeling overwhelmed, so I’ll hang out and make sure they're feeling okay,” she said.
Ms Essex said it was the "perfect fit".
“Ellie is so talented and we’re looking forward to her working with our less confident Year 7s,” she said.
Ms Simpson plans to earn her Certificate IV in Education Support at Shepparton TAFE next year, before eventually becoming a fully fledged teacher's aid.
“My confidence has improved, so I think I’m getting better,” Ms Simpson said.
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