- Three Generations of Ascham Women. Pip with her mother Suz and Grandmother Shirley
Philippa Lee
Pip went to uni in Armidale, has travelled the world and has a number of impressive talents such as speaking spanish and playing the guitar. Read on to hear about her experiences at Boarding School in Sydney and the important lessons she learnt from her time there.
1. What boarding school did you go to?
Ascham Girls School, Sydney
2. What was your best experience at Boarding School?
Being thrown in the deep end. Being an only child, having a slumber party every night with 5-10 girls your age in one dorm was a dream. On the other hand, it was a nightmare for the housemistresses, as if they were getting us to sleep by lights out!
3. What is your favourite memory from Boarding School?
Dress ups on the weekend and theme nights at dinner! The senior girls had great outfits not to mention the drama department! Melbourne Cup night was always great fun, John (our Chef) had excellent food and decorated the dining room with racing silks every year!
4. What are you doing now?
After finishing my Rural Science Degree at UNE I worked as a Pasture Agronomist and Animal Health Consultant for 18 months. I am now working on my family farm for 6-12 months gaining invaluable practical experience in a mixed enterprise to help further my career.
5. Has anything you learnt at boarding school helped you with your current career?
Working in Agriculture, like any industry, you are faced with different people and situations every day. Boarding school gave me the tools to deal with these situations, be it as a public speaker, a listener, a problem solver or just someone to bounce ideas off. Always enter a room with a smile and a firm handshake. Presentation can open doors!
6. Any advice for young kids going to boarding school?
“Grasp every opportunity with both hands.” Appreciate that your parents are investing in your future education and personal development. Most kids would love the opportunity to attend one of these great schools, so please, do not take it for granted. Get involved in every aspect of boarding. Play sport, music, go on weekend activities, eat as much afternoon tea as you possibly can, oh Girls… go to every rugby game and dance at your ‘brother’ school as seemingly possible!