Charting Her Own Course

As 2021/2022 Boarding Captain, Emily Hamilton has long been a source of inspiration for her fellow boarders. Now preparing to set sail in Europe, she’s looking back fondly on her Wenona years.

“I grew up in Narromine west of Dubbo on a family farm called ‘Gundooi,’ which in the Wiradjuri language means ‘solitary emu’. I’ve always felt an extremely strong connection to the land - it is in my blood, my bones, my roots.

I was so jealous when each of my older sisters left home to join the Wenona Boarding House. I wanted to become a boarder so badly myself, that I would attend the School’s Celebration Days of my own free will!

When my turn finally arrived, I was so excited I almost forgot to say goodbye to my parents. Boarding life proved to be exactly as I had hoped. I benefitted from so many co-curricular opportunities, the chance to access academic support, to explore the city on weekend excursions and make lifelong friends. Most importantly, I felt secure and comfortable - like I belonged. Boarding gave me a sense of community just like I have back home, as well as a feeling of self-acceptance and a desire to throw myself in the deep end. It supported me to become a fiercely independent young woman ready to tackle the next stage of life’s adventures.

After graduation, I am taking a gap year to work on superyachts as they travel down the Mediterranean … on my own. I feel a mixture of excitement and trepidation as the realisation that I will be starting from scratch sinks in.

But I also feel a strong sense of confidence and opportunity. Wenona has taught me to ‘own my story’ and given me the courage and strength to guide what is yet to be written.”