Podcast: Joshua Lesicar, 2026 Rhodes Scholar

In a wide-ranging and insightful interview lead by Year 12 Prefect student hosts, Rishab and Henry, Josh Lesicar reflects on the experiences that have shaped his academic and professional aspirations since graduating from PAC in 2020. He shares how his university journey began in Engineering before he realised his true passion lay elsewhere, leading him to make an early switch to Marine Biology. The decision took him interstate to James Cook University in Queensland, where he embraced new challenges and opportunities while studying one of Australia’s most unique natural environments.

One of the episode’s highlights is Josh’s account of a remarkable three-month scientific voyage to Antarctica. As part of a research expedition to the Denman Glacier, one of the fastest-receding regions in Antarctica, Josh joined a marine research team collecting Antarctic seafloor animals for scientific recording and preservation. He describes the experience of working in one of the world’s most remote environments, contributing to important research and gaining firsthand insight into the impacts of environmental change on fragile ecosystems.

Reflecting on Josh’s journey, Henry shared, “I think the most interesting part of Josh’s story is his genuine fascination and interest in his field of study. It made me reflect on the importance of intrinsic motivation in everything you do. Only when you're truly motivated can you succeed.”

Josh also provides listeners with a behind-the-scenes look at the process of applying for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford University. He discusses the authenticity required throughout the application journey and reflects on the importance of academic achievement, leadership, service and a willingness to pursue ambitious goals.

Reflecting on the conversation, Rishab summarised one of the episode's most powerful takeaways: "Success is about the process rather than the outcome. It's about doing what makes you happy every day to make a meaningful impact, where at the end of the day you can say to yourself you are glad you are here."

Throughout the conversation, a recurring message is the value of endeavour. Josh speaks candidly about goals that did not always go to plan and the lessons learned from setbacks along the way. His advice to students is to learn how to “fail forward”. Rather than viewing failure as an endpoint, he encourages young people to see it as a learning opportunity that can strengthen future endeavours and open doors to unexpected possibilities.

The concept of failing forward resonated with Henry, who said “The time we have at the College is a huge marathon, and even though it sometimes feels like it, that assignment or test or exam isn’t the end all and be all. The road is yet to finish and rather than letting one success or failure define you, keep “failing forward”, and learn from each and every turn in the road.”

Looking ahead, Josh shares the wide variety of career pathways available following his time at Oxford, noting that potential pathways in marine biology include research, industry and tourism, each offering exciting opportunities to contribute to the understanding and stewardship of the natural world.

With insightful reflections, practical advice and extraordinary real-world experiences, Episode 5 is a must-listen for students, parents and Old Scholars alike. Josh’s journey demonstrates that success is rarely linear, and that curiosity, courage and resilience can lead to opportunities far beyond what we initially imagine.