When I think back on my time at The Knox School, what stands out most isn’t a single moment, but the sense that I was encouraged to explore who I was and what I loved. Senior School was a place where I had room to be creative, to try different things, and to follow interests that didn’t always fit neatly into a traditional pathway, something I didn’t realise at the time would shape my future so strongly.
Some of my fondest memories come from being involved in theatre and music. Choirs, Big Band, Concert Band, musicals, plays, or simply spending time with like-minded friends in music rooms every spare period we had, made school feel exciting and meaningful. TKS fostered an environment where creativity was valued, and where students were supported in pursuing their passions alongside academic study. Several teachers and staff members played a significant role in this, not just through what they taught, but through their encouragement, belief, and support.
Whilst I was deeply involved in the performing arts, I always thought I might become a veterinarian. It was a career option that sat quietly in the background throughout high school, alongside my love of theatre and music. My subject choices didn’t look like what you might expect for someone who would eventually enter veterinary medicine, but I enjoyed school and did well because I was studying what I loved. Looking back, that balance made all the difference and I wouldn’t do anything different now.
After graduating from TKS, I chose to follow the performing arts path first and completed a degree in Music Theatre. That decision felt right at the time, and it truly was. Rather than being a detour, it became a vital part of my journey. Studying Music Theatre taught me discipline, resilience, collaboration, and how to perform under pressure, skills that continue to serve me every day in my work as a veterinarian. Over time, that long-held interest in animal health and welfare came back into focus, and I made the decision to pursue Veterinary Science. It wasn’t a straight path, and it required additional study, persistence, and a willingness to change direction, but it led me exactly where I needed to be. Today, I work as a small animal veterinarian in a leadership role that is both challenging and deeply rewarding.
Theatre, however, has never left my life, and I wouldn’t want it to. Performing remains a massive part of who I am, and I regularly take part in multiple productions each year throughout Melbourne. Most recently, I performed in & Juliet at the National Theatre in St Kilda, and I’m currently preparing to perform in the upcoming Melbourne International Comedy Festival in April. Having a creative outlet alongside a demanding career isn’t just enjoyable; it’s essential. I genuinely don’t think I could do what I do every day as a vet without theatre as a way to recharge, process emotions, and maintain balance.
There have been challenges along the way. Veterinary medicine can be emotionally and physically demanding, and taking a non-traditional pathway isn’t always easy. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that grades aren’t everything, and there’s no single “correct” route to success. Passion, adaptability, and persistence matter just as much as academic results.
If I could offer any advice to current students, it would be that you don’t have to have everything figured out right now. Very few people take a straight path, and that’s okay. Explore your interests, commit to the things you love, and trust that the skills you gain along the way will be valuable, even if their purpose isn’t immediately clear.
Success isn’t about choosing the perfect path from the start. It’s about building a life that feels fulfilling, sustainable, and true to who you are. The Knox School gave me the space to explore both academia and creativity, and that foundation has allowed me to build a career I love while still holding onto the passions that make me who I am, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.
