Sam Coten-Frigerio | Class of 2015
Many in the Corpus community will remember Sam Coten-Frigerio (Class of 2015, Pallotti House) as a highly engaged student who embraced opportunities both in and beyond the classroom. A past winner of the WA Plain English Speaking Award, Sam represented Western Australia at the national finals in Canberra during his final year at Corpus, showcasing the communication skills and confidence that continue to serve him today.
From developing a passion for Italian language and culture through the College's Italian program and exchange opportunities to pursuing a unique combination of Law, Cognitive Neuroscience and Health Psychology at university, Sam has forged a pathway uniquely his own.
Some of Sam's fondest memories of Corpus centre around the College's Italian program, particularly the 2013 Italian Exchange and the inspiring guidance of teachers Alicia Travaglione and Maria Belloni.
"They instilled in me a love of Italian culture and language to the extent that I continue to use it fluently in my everyday life."
Sam representing Corpus in the 2015 Plain English Speaking Awards in Canberra
After graduating, Sam pursued a Bachelor of Laws alongside a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Cognitive Neuroscience and Health Psychology, at Murdoch University. While he had the academic results to study law elsewhere, Murdoch was the only university offering this distinctive combination.
"It was an important lesson for me in pursuing my own pathway, rather than what other people told me I should be doing."
In many ways, that decision set the tone for Sam's career, demonstrating the value of choosing a pathway aligned with personal interests rather than external expectations.
Today, Sam brings together his interests in law, health and advocacy as a Medico-Legal Adviser, reflecting the interdisciplinary pathway he first began exploring at university.
"While I am still a lawyer, my title is 'Medico-Legal Adviser'. Essentially, I work for an insurance company that looks after doctors."
Reflecting on his Corpus journey, Sam acknowledges the support he received throughout his time at the College and the role it played in helping him reach where he is today.
"Corpus Christi's attentive pastoral program was foundational in supporting my holistic wellbeing. Corpus was excellent at accommodating my own learning journey and I continue to credit the school's support in assisting me to reach where I am now."
For current students considering a similar pathway, Sam encourages them to maintain balance and authenticity, regardless of the career they pursue.
"Irrespective of the path you pursue, be sure to maintain interests and hobbies outside whatever field you choose. And if you are going to use AI appropriately, don't lose your own voice along the way."
Thank you, Sam, for sharing your journey and inspiring our students to pursue their own interests, embrace new opportunities and have the confidence to forge their own unique pathways. His story reflects the courage to forge a path aligned with personal passions and the commitment to being outstanding for others by giving back to the Corpus community.