MAGNOLIA MAGAZINE / CAREERS
13
MAKING PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
For four St Cath’s alumni, a seed planted by their Geography teachers grew into a career path that ultimately brought them back together. “What on earth is that?” was Helen Deegan’s (STC1985) response when her Geography teacher, Mrs Murphy, suggested she consider studying town planning. As a Year 12 student, Helen was determined to go to university but unsure of what to study. However, Mrs Murphy’s suggestion stuck with her, and at her first university open day, Helen headed straight for the town planning faculty. “As I listened to them talk, it just started to make sense. I had found my niche, and I don’t think I would have ever done that without Mrs Murphy. St Catherine’s made me a better person and gave me a life I never would have had at another school. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I hadn’t gone to St Cath’s. I would have been on a very different journey,” Helen said. Thanks to Mrs Murphy and St Cath’s, Helen found her place in the world. She had happily settled into her town planning course at the University of New South Wales, when she was joined by a fellow St Cath’s alumni, Juliet Grant (STC1986). Juliet had also been in Mrs Murphy’s Geography class and had developed a love for the subject. “She was the most amazing, passionate teacher and educator. She empowered us and inspired us to do better,” Juliet recalled. So when Mrs Murphy suggested town planning, Juliet immediately took her advice. “There was never any doubt — if you wanted to go to university, you could. The school environment nurtured you to be able to do that.” Remarkably, over 20 years after Helen and
lunchtime and taught me to read until I caught up with everyone else. Without that nurturing from Ms Halliday, my life would have looked very different,” she said. Her sentiments were echoed by Lyndall Stewart (STC1989), who recalled joining the school on a scholarship in Year 7 and immediately feeling encouraged academically by her teachers. “It’s always been a very nurturing environment that pushed me to achieve the best I possibly could. I don’t know where I would have ended up if I hadn’t been there.” But Lyndall ended up exactly where she was meant to be, working with the three other St Cath’s girls. Juliet was the first to join Gyde Consulting team, and six years ago, she was thrilled to welcome Helen into the fold. Lyndall followed shortly after, having worked with Helen as part of the St Catherine’s Foundation. When Gyde needed someone to support their board, “I knew her diligence would be a good match, and she was the best candidate,” Helen added. Hannah joined the team during her placement year at university. “We’re always excited when we come across student town planners from St Cath’s.”
Juliet graduated, another St Cath’s alumni, Hannah Collins (STC2020), joined them in the field of town planning. Although Mrs Murphy had long retired, it was another Geography teacher who guided her there. “I actually discovered town planning through my Year 12 Geography teacher, Mrs. Herbert,” Hannah explained. “She suggested I try planning because I had no idea what I wanted to do. I gave it a go, and now I’m loving it.” Unsurprisingly, the three women are passionate about encouraging the next generation of St Cath’s students to consider a career in urban and town planning. “It’s a profession that adds value to our communities. It isn’t just sitting behind a desk; it offers great variety and diversity,” Helen said. “If any current students are interested, we’re always happy to have a chat with a St Cath’s girl.” Although Helen, Juliet and Hannah left St Cath’s years apart, their memories of the school are strikingly similar — a place that encouraged them to do their best. For Juliet, one memory stands out from her early days at St Cath’s. “When I started in Year 1, I couldn’t read, and everyone else could. So, my teacher, Ms Halliday, sat with me under a tree at
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