Paying Opportunity Forward

‘I can think of nothing more worthwhile than giving another young woman the opportunity to explore their potential in the same way I was able to at BGGS’—Captain Tegan Davey

Captain Tegan Davey (2000), attended Girls Grammar on a Maria Sulima Bursary.

The Maria Sulima Bursary enabled Tegan to receive a quality education and exposure to the broad co-curricular activities offered at the School.

Unfortunately, while Tegan was in primary school, her mother became seriously ill and without the Maria Sulima Bursary her parents would not have been in a position to send her to BGGS. It was an opportunity for her to try everything to find out what she enjoyed. Most importantly to Tegan, she made some wonderful friends at Girls Grammar, all of whom are making valuable contributions to the social fabric: following their dreams; working hard in their professions; raising families; and still making time for each other.

Tegan reflects fondly on her time at BGGS, so much so, that she was motivated to support the School’s Bursary Fund in the hope that she could assist another young woman to explore her potential in the same way she did at Girls Grammar.

‘I loved my time at BGGS and I could probably write a book on my memories!’

Tegan was heavily involved in the BGGS Instrumental Music Program. Her favourite memory involves playing the Vivaldi Double Cello Concerto with her friend Courtenay Lind (2000). She also has fond memories of the Marrapatta Memorial Outdoor Education Centre near Imbil with Mr Tim and Mrs Sue Lanham and Mr Mark and Mrs Maryann Munnings—participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, which opened up many opportunities for Tegan beyond school. She was also fortunate enough to enjoy the educational travel opportunities offered by Girls Grammar through Language Study Tours to Shanghai, and the International Young Physicists’ Tournament in Budapest.

Tegan joined the Australian Defence Force (ADF) because to her it was an honourable profession, one that requires self-discipline and self-sacrifice but also promises adventure and challenge. She credits Girls Grammar for encouraging her to look broadly, keep an open mind and have the confidence to follow a unique path. Tegan was eager to make the most of every opportunity and Girls Grammar fostered the pursuit of excellence, a strong work ethic and sense of adventure—all skills required in the ADF.

For more than 16 years, Tegan has been in the Royal Australian Corps of Signals (three years in the Australian Army Reserve as a soldier and more than 13 years in the Army as an officer), working primarily in Information Communication Technology management roles. She has also studied a Bachelor of Nursing, sponsored by the Army, and in 2022 will commence work as an Army Nursing Officer. Tegan’s overseas deployments to East Timor and the Middle East have certainly been the highlights of her career. These deployments enabled her to work with some remarkable women and men from professional militaries across the world and also provided an insight into the culture and lives of others. Tegan has found these experiences humbling, and increases her appreciation for the exceptional quality of life we have here in Australia and in particular, the opportunities available to young women.

If she could give Grammar girls any advice it would be ‘to have confidence in yourself. Establish a sense of who you are and bring this to everything you do in life; do not let individuals or an organisation fundamentally change you.’ Keep embracing opportunities as they present themselves and, in the words of one of her first Army drill instructors, listen to what is said, not how it is said—look for lessons from mistakes and setbacks.

A proud Grammar Woman and supporter of the BGGS Bursary Fund, Tegan often reflects on how fortunate she was to attend Girls Grammar with bursary support and have the experiences she did.

‘I can think of nothing more worthwhile than giving another young woman the opportunity to explore their potential in the same way she was able to at BGGS’.