Past Prefect with a passion for the natural world

Since hanging up her green blazer for the last time in 2017, former Head Prefect Holly Andrée has been busy juggling the demands of full-time study with work and other commitments, but she still makes time to get outdoors and explore the natural wonders of her home state.

What are you currently studying and at which university/education institution?
I’ve just stepped into my third year of a Bachelor of Natural Environment and Wilderness Studies, majoring in Human Geography at the University of Tasmania.

Once I complete this degree, I intend to stay at the university for another two years to complete my master’s in planning.

Why did you choose this pathway?
I’ve always had an inherent passion for our natural world, which was definitely nurtured at St Mary’s College, hence why I initially decided on this path of study. Through the various classes I have studied thus far at university, my passion has broadened to encompass the people and systems that influence our world, with a specific focus on how we can change certain systems to contribute to a more equitable society.

What do you hope to achieve (professionally and/or personally) in the future?
Once completing my master’s, I intend to (hopefully) work as an urban/town planner specialising in greenspaces and creating sustainable urban and peri-urban liveability. I had wished to maximise this job by travelling around the world, which would fulfil a personal passion to experience as many places and cultures as possible. But that perhaps is something I may have to reconsider due to the current global circumstances.

At the moment, my hope for the future is simply to stay as healthy as possible, both physically and mentally, by encouraging more time for my hobbies such as bushwalking/hiking, reading and gardening to name a few.

What did you most enjoy about St Mary’s College?
St Mary’s College is genuinely unlike any other school when it comes to school spirit and I think that’s what I enjoyed the most throughout my time there. Funnily enough, there aren’t that many opportunities to dress up in blue, jump in a pool and play games for a full day in my life at the moment! For this reason, I’d encourage all students to maximise these opportunities, as they’re ones that can’t often be repeated in adult life.

What did you gain from being a Prefect, and how did this role shape who you are today?
Being a Prefect definitely helped me discover a sense of leadership and responsibility. These are two traits that have contributed to my personal growth today at both university and in my current workplace. They also contributed to a greater self-confidence and helped me push myself to do things that I’d never thought were possible, such as living overseas by myself for a full year. These traits were further fostered by the general St Mary’s College environment and all of my peers and teachers.

What is your advice for a current Year 12 student?
If I were to have my time again as a Year 12 student and Prefect, I would definitely make sure to not forget about the small things that make the St Mary’s community so unique. Spending a free period visiting some of the Junior School classes, or attending the after school cocurriculars to cheer on some of our brilliant academic and sporting teams are just some examples of the small acts that really bring the St Mary’s community together. These can work equally as great stress busters!