Prudence Brosnan is one of the Boarding House captains who co-leads the St Margaret’s sisterhood living on campus. She hopes to inspire, motivate and encourage her fellow ‘sisters’ to take full advantage of their St Margaret’s boarding experience and all of the opportunities available.
From Thallon in South West Queensland, Prudence had to adjust to a completely different lifestyle when she arrived at St Margaret’s five years ago. Living 80km outside of town, it was an hour car trip to and from her previous school each day, a stark contrast to what she was about to experience living on campus as a boarder. Being the only girl at home with two brothers, she also discovered living with girls was very different; in fact, she quickly came to acquire 170 new sisters in her boarding house family.
Prudence gave us an insight into her St Margaret’s boarding journey.
What opportunities have you had as a boarder that you cherish or value the most?
Living with 170 other girls is truly an experience that I will cherish forever. The sisterhood we have shared in the St Margaret’s boarding house is something I will never forget. Plus, I have been fortunate enough to live with people from right around the globe which is truly remarkable.
Reflecting on your time as a boarder, how do you feel now you are coming to the end of that journey?
Reflecting on my time here at St Margaret’s makes me happy as I think about everything I have achieved and conquered. St Margaret’s has offered me so many opportunities which I have embraced with open arms and now looking back I’m extremely glad I did.
I was lucky enough to be part of an Antipodeans trip to Peru in South America in Year 10. The three-week experience changed my entire perspective on life. I realised how lucky we are to have such a great education and facilities at St Margaret’s.
During Year 11, I was given the fortunate opportunity to attend Sony Camp for a weekend helping children with disabilities. The experience taught me many life lessons that I will take with me long after my St Margaret’s journey ends.
The global diversity of the St Margaret’s boarding house is one of the things that makes it so unique. What have you learnt living within such a diverse global community?
Living in such a culturally diverse environment truly has enriched my global thinking and outlook.
Do you have any advice to younger boarders?
My advice is to stay busy whilst boarding and to take every opportunity that boarding has to offer.
What do you hope to achieve as a boarding captain this year? What do you hope will be your legacy?
As Boarding Captain, I hope to encourage students to harness the many and varied global experiences and learnings that St Margaret’s can offer.
St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School is an independent day and boarding school, situated close to Brisbane’s CBD and airport, for girls from Pre-Prep to Year 12. Boarding is available from Year 5 to Year 12.