As a volunteer coach with the Harding Miller Foundation, I have the privilege of supporting young women on their journey through high school and towards university. My passion for this work stems from my own experiences—I did not complete high school, and while I thoroughly enjoyed my career as a travel consultant, I know firsthand how education can open doors to opportunities that may otherwise seem out of reach.
The Harding Miller Foundation provides scholarships to high-potential girls from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring they have the tools they need to excel. These scholarships, valued at $20,000 over four years, include essentials such as a laptop, internet access, tutoring and expenses for school uniforms and textbooks. Most importantly, they come with the guidance of a personal coach who walks alongside them throughout their high school journey. This mentoring relationship is invaluable, fostering confidence and resilience in our scholars.
The foundation started in 2016 with just 80 students and I was fortunate to be involved from the beginning. Today, the program has expanded tremendously, with a network of dedicated coaches supporting hundreds of young women across Australia. Over the years, I have gradually reduced my number of students to 12, allowing me to focus more deeply on each scholar.
As a coach, my role goes beyond academic support. It is about offering encouragement, a listening ear and helping these young women believe in their potential. Many scholars come to us shy and uncertain, but through the years, we see them grow into confident, ambitious individuals ready to take on university and beyond. I have witnessed students overcome incredible adversity. I remember a young woman who, after living in multiple refuges in the country, made the brave decision to relocate to the city to complete her education. She lived above a garage of a distant relative, worked to buy her own food and studied in the library until closing time. Her determination and resilience were humbling, and it reinforced the importance of our work.
The most rewarding moment of the year is just before Christmas when we call the successful applicants to share the news of their scholarship. The reactions range from joyful tears to excited squeals of disbelief. It is a moment that reminds me why I do this work—it is the best Christmas present a family can receive. And of course, the ultimate reward is seeing these scholars achieve their goals, secure university placements and step into a future they once only dreamed of.
Beyond my work with the foundation, I am a wife, mother and grandmother. My husband, John, and I are fortunate to have our whole family living in Sydney, and we cherish our time together. We share a love for travel, both within Australia and overseas, and I have also developed a passion for Bridge in recent years. We have had four beloved dogs over 45 years and now enjoy looking after our son’s cavoodle, Frankie and a beautiful golden retriever, Nelson.
Volunteering with the Harding Miller Foundation fits seamlessly into my life, allowing me to connect with scholars through calls, texts and emails at times convenient for both of us. Even when traveling I find ways to maintain contact. It is a wonderful way to give back to society, and I encourage anyone with patience, kindness and a desire to support young women to consider becoming a coach.
My message to our scholars is simple: embrace education, nurture curiosity and develop resilience. Reading and learning will not only empower you but also help break down ignorance and intolerance. With determination and the right support, the future is yours to shape.
