When people think about volunteering as a Coach with the Harding Miller Education Foundation, they often imagine offering career advice or helping a scholar navigate school. But as one of our long-serving Coaches reflects, coaching is so much more than that.
Over nine years, she has watched scholars grow from shy Year 9 students into confident university graduates and young professionals. Along the way, she has discovered that sometimes the greatest impact comes from simply being there.
“I was intrigued.”
I had been hearing for some time from Kim and Irene about their newly established Foundation and their aspiration to give talented girls from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to fulfil their potential.
Both Kim and Irene were inspirational in terms of their drive and their own unique combination of talents, making them a powerhouse for innovation and change.
I was intrigued.
Nine years later, I have now coached several scholars and have seen the first of them graduate from university. For these young women, this is a phenomenal achievement and such a powerful affirmation of the success of the program.
Building trust, one conversation at a time
With my first scholar, I was immediately struck by how shy and quiet she seemed over the phone. We hadn’t had the opportunity to meet in person, so I understood how intimidating it must have been for a Year 9 student to speak with an adult she didn’t know – particularly for a generation that rarely talks on the phone!
From the beginning, I wanted her to know I was there to support her in whatever way she needed. I also reassured her that I understood how busy she was and that if she ever felt overwhelmed, it was okay to tell me.
Our early conversations weren’t about school results. We talked about family, hobbies and everyday life. I shared stories from my own journey and spoke with her parents so they knew who was encouraging their daughter.
Over time, those conversations became easier. She relaxed, became more confident and eventually felt comfortable talking openly about many aspects of her life.
Every scholar is different
One of the most important lessons I have learned is to listen.
Every scholar needs something different. Some are interested in career advice. Others are looking for guidance, reassurance, help navigating opportunities or simply someone who believes in them.
I often share my own experiences – including my failures – to reinforce that setbacks are part of every successful journey. Resilience isn’t about never struggling; it’s about getting back up.
Consistency, steadfastness and simply being available are incredibly powerful. Many scholars haven’t experienced that reliability from the adults around them, so knowing their Coach will be there from Year 9 through to Year 12 provides enormous reassurance.
I’ve even had scholars visibly relieved when I told them I would continue coaching them beyond Year 12 if they needed that support.
Celebrating the moments that matter
Being a Coach is enormously rewarding.
Watching these young women succeed is inspiring, but it’s the relationships that make the experience truly special.
One scholar, who had no parent or family member in her life, invited me to attend her Zonta Citizenship Award ceremony because she had no one else to witness her achievement. Later, I attended her school graduation alongside her support worker because once again, there was no family present.
Moments like these stay with you forever.
For some scholars, there is simply no one else to share their achievements with. They need someone to celebrate alongside them and to tell them how proud they should be.
A phone call that changed everything
Perhaps my proudest moment came after my very first scholar started university.
During her first semester, she told me she felt completely overwhelmed. The workload was enormous, she didn’t understand some of the content, she didn’t know anyone and she was seriously considering giving up.
I reminded her how hard she had worked to earn her place and shared my own experience of feeling overwhelmed at university.
Then I made a promise.
I would keep calling.
Every week, we spoke. Slowly, things began to change. She made friends, joined a club, learned how to manage the workload and gradually found her confidence.
She recently graduated from university and has since secured an excellent role at Castlereagh Imaging. When we met for coffee not long ago, I was struck by her confidence, optimism and enthusiasm for the future.
I couldn’t have been prouder.
More than academic support
There are moments when a Coach’s role extends far beyond education.
One scholar became overwhelmed by the pressure she placed on herself to achieve perfect results. Our conversations shifted away from grades and towards wellbeing.
We talked about taking breaks, enjoying holidays without guilt and understanding that one disappointing result does not define a person’s future.
Sometimes, what scholars need most is permission to be kind to themselves.
Why coaching matters
I have enormous admiration for every scholar I have coached.
When I consider the circumstances many of these young women face, I am continually amazed by their determination, resilience and ambition. They are extraordinary people whose potential extends far beyond academic achievement.
Being part of their journey has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.
If you’re considering becoming a Harding Miller Coach but aren’t sure whether you have the right skills, my advice is simple:
Go for it.
You’ll learn as you go.
Every scholar is different. Listen carefully, show empathy and be there consistently. Whether they need career advice, encouragement, practical support or simply someone who believes in them, your presence can make all the difference.
And in the process, you’ll discover that coaching changes your life too.
