An education at Wilderness is more than simply academic learning. It brings together the School’s history, traditions and values, as well as the joy of friendship and the fond memories each girl makes.
We love to hear from our past graduates and appreciate any opportunity to stay connected.
Wilderness old scholars are a thriving, trusted group of some 6,000 women who help each other remain connected to our community throughout their life. In turn, we ensure there is always a place for each of them in the Wilderness family.
Since the early days, our objective has always remained the same – to create a strong sense of community and an ongoing connectedness with Wilderness School.
Each Wilderness girl who becomes an old scholar joins a diverse network and community of women, who can support each other personally and professionally.
We proud to celebrate the success of our old scholars and their many achievements. Here, we profile some of our community and share an insight into their lives beyond the Wilderness School gates.
We proud to celebrate the success of our old scholars and their many achievements. Here, we profile some of our community and share an insight into their lives beyond the Wilderness School gates.
When a student becomes an old scholar, she joins a diverse community and network of women, globally, formalising a life-long bond created over shared educational experiences.
We are inspired by their individual journeys and successes, both professionally and personally. Read about their memories of their time at Wilderness, their favourite memories and their valuable advice on the Wilderness Old Scholars Facebook page.
Hannah Frank
We caught up with Hannah Frank (2004) recently and asked her to reflect on her life after Wilderness. Here’s what she had to say!
Career highlights
Getting a job offer at Google in 2018. There is an urban legend that it’s harder to get into Google than Harvard!
More recently, I have re-joined the office of the Hon Anthony Albanese MP as Senior Adviser to the Prime Minister. The chance to contribute each day to decisions which affect all Australians is a huge responsibility, but also a great honour.
Favourite teacher at Wilderness
Mrs Farrell was an extraordinary teacher. She taught Thinking and Learning classes and History in Year 12 and brought Europe to life through vivid re-enactments. Her passion for her subject matter was truly contagious.
Wilderness Value that endures
The love of learning has definitely stayed with me. I feel like we were always encouraged to extend ourselves and able to follow our interests. I still regularly take new courses to learn new skills.
Favourite thing to do in Adelaide
Without doubt, visit the Central Market. It’s my first stop every time I go home.
Things on the Bucket List
I’d love to live overseas at some point.
Become fluent in another language.
See the Northern Lights.
More trivially, I am determined to master poaching eggs without them disintegrating into a soup!
Dream long lunch companion
Julia Louis-Dreyfus. A phenomenal actor and comedian who is deeply engaged with causes she cares about.
Three can’t live without things
My two best friends, who I met on day one of Year 5 at Wilderness - nearly 25 years ago!
My Australian passport.
Excellent Vietnamese pho from Marrickville. Therapy in a bowl!
Advice to 18-year-old self
Trust your instincts, travel even more, try lots of things, but also learn to quit early and often when things aren’t working out, keep learning, and remember to enjoy the process of getting things done, as well as the outcomes.
Grace Escott
While at Wilderness for the Careers Fair, we asked old scholar Grace Escott (2018) on what she is up to these days.
Current role
Consultant, Ernst & Young (EY)
What is your most significant career highlight?
Getting a graduate position at EY, and then being promoted in August of the same year.
Who was your favourite teacher at Wilderness, and why?
Mr Hawkins, he was a legend and supported me always.
What Wilderness value has stayed with you?
Being A True and Courageous Self
What is the most special/significant memory you have of your time at Wilderness?
Receiving the Mary Ann Matthews Scholarship in my final year of school and using the funds to travel to Sri Lanka to volunteer at a girls orphanage.
My favourite thing to do in Adelaide is…
Visiting new bars and restaurants!
Name three places, activities or experiences that are on your bucket list
Experiencing a European summer, going skydiving and travelling to New York City for Christmas.
If you could have a long lunch with anyone, who would it be?
Paris Hilton
What are the three things you can’t live without?
Shopping, my dog and my friends.
What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
“Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game” – A Cinderella Story
Michelle Horne
You may have seen Michelle Horne (2008) in BAE Systems' recent ‘Infinite Possibilities’ campaign, where she unpacks her role as a Software Engineer Lead. We took the opportunity to ask Michelle some questions.
Career highlights
Putting a product we built in front of an end user and being there to see how it assists them. It's a nerve wracking experience; you learn so much from seeing how your products are used.
Favourite teacher at Wilderness
I was always into IT and computers; I remember IT classes with Mrs Green were always fun and engaging.
I really appreciated the passion that Ms Douvartzidis has for Maths and Maths education.
I also have always had great respect for Mrs Judy Dyson, who was always very helpful with time available for a chat. No issue was too hard to solve.
Wilderness Value that endures
It might sound naff, but I think the motto "Always True" has stayed with me. I interpret it as being yourself, true to yourself and others.
Fondest memory of Wilderness
I don't think I appreciated it at the time, but looking back, the quality of education and resources at hand was extremely special. With that, I believe I had a lot more experiences than I would have otherwise.
Favourite thing to do in Adelaide
I love the café scene; I love going out for brunch on a weekend with my partner and (more recently) puppy.
Things on the Bucket List
I'd love to go back to Japan and attend a music festival while we are there.
I'd like to write and record a song at least once in my lifetime.
For a while, I've wanted to give stand-up comedy a try. It scares me just thinking about it, though!
Dream long lunch companion
The first person who came to mind was Gerard Way—the musician, artist and writer who is most well known as the lead singer of My Chemical Romance. I'd love to talk about music, comics and even writing for kids television.
Three can’t live without things
Art, creativity and humour.
Advice to 18-year-old self?
Don't worry about what other people think, you do you.
Founded by the generosity of the Misses Brown, the School has a proud history of philanthropy that continues today.
We are grateful for the generous support of our community, allowing us to provide financial assistance for programs, scholarships and funding for new ventures.
The Old Scholars’ Association offers a number of beautiful jewellery pieces as representative keepsakes of a student’s time at Wilderness.
The Wilderness Old Scholars’ Association (WOSA) is led by a group of dedicated and inspirational women.
Wilderness is our old scholars’ second home. As the Misses Brown always said to the girls leaving school, ‘If ever you wish to come to The Wilderness tomorrow or in 10 years’ time, that wish is your invitation, and you can feel sure of your welcome’.
Each Wilderness girl is grafted into the family tree upon graduation, automatically receiving membership to the Wilderness Old Scholars’ Association, a network of over 6,000 vibrant members who span the globe. Encompassing decades from 18 years of age and including several centenarians, our old scholars represent a multiplicity of experiences and backgrounds across personal and professional pursuits.
An enduring bond with the School and other past students enriches and nourishes the Wilderness spirit and we highly value the contribution our graduates bring to our community and to the generations that follow them.
Our long standing and thriving old scholar community is partly attributed to the many events and opportunities offered throughout the annual calendar. These occasions allow past students the opportunity to stay connected and continue to contribute to and enrich the life of the School.
