When many Grammar girls envision their lives beyond the picket fence, they often have very clear aspirations. However, the first few years after graduating from secondary school can be filled with changes and challenges.
In late 2022, Principal, Ms Jacinda Euler Welsh, sat down with three young Girls Grammar alumnae to discuss the journeys they have taken since school, including their triumphs over difficulties, and future aspirations.
Sarah Wilkey, Dux of the School in 2018 and Valedictorian of the Faculty of Medicine at The University of Queensland (July 2022), has been exploring the world of medical science since leaving BGGS.
‘I recently graduated from a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences at The University of Queensland (UQ). I attended the School’s Grammar Women in Science event in 2018, and I heard from Dr Emily Granger (1991) and Dr Lavinia Codd (1986). Hearing their personal journey into research was particularly fascinating for me, as I was weighing up whether I wanted to go into medicine, or research.
‘At university, I found a passion for cancer immunotherapy. This year, I’m working on a thesis with Dr Sherry Wu on characterising novel genes associated with immunotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer, with the hope of identifying potential new therapeutic targets, and I’m also applying for postgraduate study in cancer immunotherapy.’
In contrast to Sarah’s linear academic progression, after graduating from BGGS in 2017, Abi Ashford moved to Canberra to study an engineering and science dual degree at Australian National University (ANU), but very quickly decided to change paths.
‘I made the decision to withdraw from my course and try to get a “reset”. That’s when I was diagnosed with perfectionism, and realised I wasn’t really coping with things not going to my plan.
‘I took six months off, and that’s when I first reconnected with the School—it was a big part of getting me through that tough period. I coached Hockey, and have since coached Softball, Basketball and AFL.
‘In 2019 I enrolled at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in a Bachelor of Medical Engineering—a bit closer to home and my support network—and took some time to reaffirm where I wanted to go with my studies and what I wanted to do.’
Like Abi, Lily’s path took a turn after leaving School in 2015. Initially she studied Biomedical Science at UQ, but then moved into Business, Finance and Accounting at QUT, where she was the class valedictorian for 2020 and delivered the valedictory address.
‘I ended up taking a year off from studying. I worked in a busy café in the city for six months, and then travelled to Europe for about four months by myself.
‘Business ended up being something I really enjoyed doing. In my second year I tried to get experience in different industries, but when I was 17 I didn’t have that drive, and I needed to have that time.’
There are many opportunities for young alumnae—less than 10 years out of secondary school—to stay involved in activities at BGGS. Both Sarah and Abi volunteer their time as mentors in the School’s Grammar Girls—Grammar Women Mentoring Program.
‘It’s about being positive role models who are not their sisters or parents—they are impartial in some ways, but also have a lot of shared experiences, having gone to the same school,’ Abi said.
Sarah has also been employed as a Study Supervisor in the School’s afterschool Evening Study Program.
‘Over the years you can see students grow, not only as academics, but also in their own personal lives—in how they approach the stress of upcoming exams, and how they’re able to handle those obstacles. Being able to provide my insight but also see them grow along the journey has been incredibly fulfilling.’
To listen to the Illumine podcast recording with Sarah, Abi and Lily, click here.
Lily Cilento (2015), Sarah Wilkey (2018) and Abi Ashford (2017)
