AUSTRALIAN REFLECTIONS
AUSTRALIAN REFLECTIONS
EDITOR Gillian Fullilove Development Director Rhodes Scholarships in Australia Pty Ltd Email: [email protected] DESIGN Studio Stedman PHOTOS Supplied by Scholars and Rhodes House Opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Rhodes Scholarships in Australia or the Rhodes Trust. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior written permission. CONTENTS
LISSA MUSCATINE BRONTE ADAMS (California & Wadham, 1977) (Western Australia & Balliol, 1986) 4 14 VICKI SPENCER JAYNIE ANDERSON (South Australia & Nuffield, 1986) (Rhodes Visiting Fellow & St Hugh’s, 1970) 15 5 KATHRYN BROWN ELIZABETH WOODS (South Australia & Balliol, 1988) (Queensland & Wadham, 1977) 16 6 KATE VINOT PAULINE NESTOR (Australia-at-Large & Balliol, 1989) (Australia-at-Large & St Catherine’s, 17 1978) 7 SUSAN COLES (South Australia & St Catherine’s, WENDY CARLIN 1989) (Western Australia & Wadham, 1979) 18 8 MARINA HUGHES FIONA PIXLEY (Western Australia & Magdalen, (Western Australia & Corpus Christi, 1990) 1980) 19 9 PRUDENCE SCOTT VESNA DRAPAC (New Zealand & Lincoln, 1990) (Australia-at-Large & New College, 20 1981) 10 DOROTHY STEANE (Tasmania & University, 1991) WENDY ERBER 21 (Australia-at-Large & St John’s, 1982) 11 MARNIE HUGHES-WARRINGTON (Tasmania & Merton, 1992) BEE CHEN GOH 22 (Malaysia & Lincoln, 1984) 12 JENNIFER MARTIN (New Zealand & Lady Margaret SUSAN SCOTT Hall, 1993) (Rhodes Visiting Fellow & Somerville, 23 1985) 13
RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN KAREN LOCKETT-YEUNG KATE ROBSON (Australia-at-Large & Magdalen, 1993) (Australia-at-Large & Christ Church, 24 2008) 35 NATASHA HENDRICK (Australia-at-Large & University, 1993) ANTHEA LINDQUIST 25 (Victoria & Green Templeton, 2009) 36 CAROLYN EVANS (Victoria & Exeter, 1995) BRITTANY MORREALE 26 (California & St Antony’s, 2010) 37 TANYA APLIN (Western Australia & Magdalen, 1995) JESSICA PANEGYRES 27 (Australia-at-Large & Keble, 2010) 38 KATHERINE MICHELMORE (Bermuda & Magdalen, 1995) RACHEL PATERSON 28 (Western Australia & St Edmund Hall, 2012) GEMMA FIGTREE 39 (Australia-at-Large & New College, 1999) 29 ALYSSA FITZPATRICK (South Australia & Magdalen, 2013) JESS MELBOURNE-THOMAS 40 (Tasmania & Linacre, 2003) 30 KATHARINE NOONAN (Australia-at-Large & St John’s, 2013) HARRIET GEE 41 (Australia-at-Large & Magdalen, 2006) 31 FREYA SHEARER (Western Australia & St John’s, 2014) AMY KING 42 (Australia-at-Large & Trinity, 2007) 32 EMILIE MCDONNELL (Tasmania & University, 2016) ANGELA CUMMINE 43 (Australia-at-Large & New College, 2007) 33 ILONA QUAHE (Australia-at-Large & Green KATE BRENNAN Templeton, 2016) (New South Wales & Magdalen, 2007) 44 34
RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN The story of the very first Rhodes women begins well before 1977.
The 1960s and 1970s were a time of powerful and shifting social forces and much internal debate amongst Rhodes Scholars and Trustees. The pressure to include women in the Rhodes Scholarships was steadily mounting. In 1968, the Trust established Rhodes Visiting Fellowships. These new Fellowships enabled female postdoctoral students to study at Oxford. However, once the United Kingdom passed The Sex Discrimination Act in 1975 – an Act which protected men and women from discrimination on the grounds of sex or marital status – the push for the full inclusion of women became overpowering. The breakthrough was imminent. The Trust sought an amendment to Cecil Rhodes’ Will, which extended the selection criteria for the Scholarships to include women and the alteration was ratified by a British Act of Parliament. By 1977, women were eligible to apply. In that same year a full third of newly-elected Rhodes Scholars were female, including three from Australia. In the 40 years since then, 1314 women have been elected.
1 RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN These stories are part of the larger and ever-evolving Rhodes “experience we all share. The purpose of this publication is to celebrate the growing community of Australian Rhodes women on this 40th anniversary. And what a delightful collection of memories and reflections it is. I invite you to leaf through its pages. From Pauline Nestor’s (Australia-at-Large & St Catherine’s, 1978) amusing and touching memory of her grandparents’ pride, to Carolyn Evans’ (Victoria & Exeter, 1995) account of sitting up all night with her unsettled baby on the eve of her DPhil viva at All Souls, to Gemma Figtree’s (Australia-at- Large & New College 1999) description of “revel[ing] in the inspiring research and clinical environment” at Oxford, this collection reminds us of the huge diversity of Scholar experiences. It is equally revealing to read about current Scholars – including Emilie McDonnell’s (Tasmania & University, 2016) account of her first months in Oxford. I would also like to highlight the contribution from American Scholar Lissa Muscatine (California & Wadham, 1977), the guest speaker at the RSA’s 2017 National Dinner and 40th Anniversary of Rhodes Women, and one of the very first women to arrive in Oxford forty years ago. It’s wonderful to have her as part of this commemorative project.
A singular theme weaves through these stories. It is friendship. The sense of camaraderie with other women Scholars is a notable refrain. It had long been desired that Scholars “shall not be merely bookworms” but students who exhibit “kindliness, unselfishness and fellowship”. It is plain from their submissions that these women reflect the Scholarship’s timeless ideals.
I am sure you will enjoy reading this collection as much as I did. I hope it further binds together the special Rhodes community you have in Australia. These stories are part of the larger and ever-evolving Rhodes experience we all share.
CHARLES CONN, Warden (Massachusetts & Balliol, 1983)
RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN 2 Having a Rhodes Scholarship entitles you – almost obligates you – “to take chances and break convention because... you can. This happened automatically for our first class of Rhodes women. We were breaking convention because we were invited to. I hope that subsequent generations of Scholars, women and men, will be inspired to challenge convention and break barriers too, whether by invitation or not.
3 RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN LISSA MUSCATINE (California & Wadham, 1977)
KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA’S 2017 NATIONAL DINNER
Thanks to the serendipitous timing of monolithic group, and yet there was my birth, and an Act of Parliament, I great speculation as to how we, as was in the lucky group of women first women, would collectively define afforded the opportunity to apply “fighting the world’s fight”; how we for Rhodes Scholarships. I arrived at would integrate families and children Oxford in the fall of 1977 – one of 13 into our career plans, or whether we women among 32 Americans who would even try; and how we would boarded the Queen Elizabeth 2 in chart our own paths – ones reflecting New York and made the passage our own choices – as we navigated across the Atlantic to Southampton this changing social landscape. (and yes, there was much snickering Against this backdrop, each of us that year about having men and had to manage, in our own ways, the women together for days – and traditions and expectations of the nights – on a ship). It had already Rhodes Scholarship along with what become clear from the intensive press we expected and wanted for ourselves. attention we received that we were regarded as something akin to exotic One of the most important lessons zoo animals. Just who were these I learned from this experience was women? And what exactly did they always to remember that the Rhodes aspire to? Were they simply female Scholarship is both an opportunity versions of the quintessential Rhodes and a responsibility. A responsibility man? I’m not sure we had answers to give back to the world in hopes of to these questions ourselves. Despite improving the lives and conditions efforts by others to categorise and of others. But also an opportunity to compartmentalise us – it was always assert one’s individuality, uniqueness, easier if women fit neatly into a and voice without having to conform predictable box or label – we were or avoid risks. Having a Rhodes on the leading edge of intense social Scholarship entitles you – almost transformation. Gender roles were obligates you – to take chances and being re-defined and we were Exhibit break convention because...you can. A of generational change. This happened automatically for our first class of Rhodes women. We were Often overlooked in all of the breaking convention because we were hubbub was that, as women, we invited to. I hope that subsequent actually were very different from one generations of Scholars, women and another. The 13 of us, and the other men, will be inspired to challenge women Rhodes Scholars from the convention and break barriers too, Commonwealth countries, had varied whether by invitation or not. interests, experiences, ambitions, and personalities. We were not a
RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN 4 JAYNIE ANDERSON (Rhodes Visiting Fellow & St Hugh’s, 1970)
In 1970 it was so stimulating and Bellini, and Professor Francis Haskell totally unexpected to be appointed from Oxford, who was ever skeptical a Rhodes Fellow before Rhodes about the possibility of a thesis on Scholarships became available Giorgione. Both asked inspiring to women. After graduating from questions of the kind that made the University of Melbourne, I was me want to interrogate the sources awarded a scholarship in art history for Venetian art history further. at Bryn Mawr College, Pennsylvania. What Oxford gave me was an From there I went to Venice for my extraordinary introduction to quality dissertation on Giorgione, where I in research and an understanding was invited for interview at St Hugh’s of how the leading scholars in the College, Oxford. I had submitted a field worked. Oxford collections and few articles – indeed the first serious libraries were rich and seemingly ones I had ever published – and inexhaustible, whereas in Australia was invited to meet Professor Edgar sixteenth-century books were a Wind, the legendary Renaissance art rarity and Renaissance painting historian, in his flat at Belsyre Court only represented in a few museums. on the Woodstock Road to discuss There were infinite opportunities to ideas about iconography. Wind had a hear lectures, both within the field magnificent private library, decorated and beyond it, given by distinguished with original prints by Raphael and scholars. I remember attending Michelangelo. He discussed what I the packed lectures of the young had written and, as we conversed, Umberto Eco on structuralism, the took down sixteenth-century books anthropologist Edward Leech on Levi by Vincenzo Cartari and Cesare Ripa, Strauss, and Francis Haskell on art and speculated about how artists historiography, to name but a few. had used them. It was an intoxicating experience to argue from original For art historians some of the material. His wife Margaret provided a most important skills are to make formal elegant afternoon tea, exquisite comparative judgments about hospitality being always part of any works of art, to locate new source Oxford experience. This was not my material in archives and libraries, to official interview, but just an invitation learn languages and to study the that came from a consultation process results of restoration in conservators’ that St Hugh’s conducted by sending laboratories. All these skills were my application to scholars. Wind had initially developed and refined in asked to meet me. Oxford and have always remained with me. For the fellowship I was examined by two eminent art historians, Professor Giles Robertson from Edinburgh, an expert on Giovanni
5 RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN ELIZABETH WOODS (Queensland & Wadham, 1977)
Bellini, and Professor Francis Haskell As one of the first female Rhodes England Society) lunch Carole Devitt from Oxford, who was ever skeptical Scholars selected, much was new – from WA and I sat across from three about the possibility of a thesis on not just to me but to everyone else Australian male Scholars who were Giorgione. Both asked inspiring as well. There were no Queensland discussing what a bad idea it was to questions of the kind that made based mentors to advise on the have let women into the Scholarship. me want to interrogate the sources choice of College, no stories of At least one of them had the good for Venetian art history further. previous exploits of female Scholars grace to look very embarrassed What Oxford gave me was an in sport or other activities, and when we were introduced – to that extraordinary introduction to quality a much more relaxed attitude to point he had assumed we were each in research and an understanding studies than exists today! someone’s latest girlfriend! Sir Edgar of how the leading scholars in the Williams (the Warden) greeted me field worked. Oxford collections and Once I arrived at Oxford I with the comment, “I would never libraries were rich and seemingly visited a number of departments have picked Queensland as the first inexhaustible, whereas in Australia and institutes before settling region to pick a female Scholar”. sixteenth-century books were a on a DPhil in the Institute of rarity and Renaissance painting Agricultural Economics. Everyone But once we all settled in, I only represented in a few museums. had interesting study topics to remember a wonderful melting pot There were infinite opportunities to offer but the Institute offered a of talented and interesting people, hear lectures, both within the field welcome afternoon tea with staff challenging but rewarding study, and beyond it, given by distinguished and students – and a clear sense and enjoyable sporting activities scholars. I remember attending of community which meant I learnt where the female Rhodes Scholars the packed lectures of the young much more widely than just in my were quickly very visible. And did I Umberto Eco on structuralism, the chosen area of study. My supervisor mention a network of lifelong friends anthropologist Edward Leech on Levi was also new to Oxford, and and professional contacts … Strauss, and Francis Haskell on art surprised me at the end of our first historiography, to name but a few. meeting when she said, “Well, that sounds interesting. Go away and For art historians some of the look into it and come back this time most important skills are to make next year to tell me how you are comparative judgments about going!” works of art, to locate new source material in archives and libraries, to Social encounters were equally learn languages and to study the surprising; one Canadian Rhodes results of restoration in conservators’ (male) raced over to intercept me at laboratories. All these skills were a road crossing with the comment, initially developed and refined in “I’m so pleased to meet an Australian Oxford and have always remained girl. I’ve heard they’re the best.” I was with me. pretty sure he didn’t mean at study but I wasn’t game to enquire what he had in mind with the traffic honking at us! Similarly, at an early ARSES (Antipodean Rhodes Scholars in
RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN 6 PAULINE NESTOR (Australia-at-Large & St Catherine’s, 1978)
Looking back on my 23-year-old, night quad. It was a welcome relief, 1978-self, I see a working-class girl, the then, after completing my MPhil, to first in her family to attend university, transfer on a JRF to Wolfson College educated in Catholic parochial for my DPhil. Throughout, it must be schools in the northern suburbs said, the teaching and supervision I of Melbourne, assertively feminist received ranged from the eccentric to and pugnaciously determined not the derelict. to acquiesce to the merest whiff of imperial condescension. It’s hard to And yet, I am deeply grateful to say what would have offended Cecil Oxford and to the Rhodes Trust for 4 Rhodes most. ½ years that changed my life. Perhaps, above all, I learnt self-reliance. And Although I still long for a right of while arguably I could have done that reply, I concede that there is more anywhere, “anywhere” would never than a little justice in the first of the have offered a most beautiful city, Warden’s annual reports: “There one of the world’s great libraries, a is quite a lot going on below a dazzlingly bright, international cohort forbidding exterior”. Whether I of peers, a cornucopia of distinguished relaxed, or whether Sir Edgar was visitors and music, and exposure swayed by my proving my stripes as to a community of scholars whose Captain of the Oxford netball team, intellectual generosity and passion he subsequently observed that I was came as a revelation. “less aggressive, save intellectually than she was”. Presumably my netball Curiously, perhaps, the thing for which nickname, “Animal”, – and I swear to I am most grateful is the pleasure the this day it was a fair bump – never Rhodes gave my family. While my filtered through to the hallowed academic life has always remained halls of Rhodes House. In any case, I largely a closed book to them, the was subsequently adjudged to have vernacular ensures that “you don’t suitably improved, though it was still have to be a Rhodes Scholar” to clearly a matter of degree: “She seems glimpse the significance of the award. less like a bas relief of the pioneer Accordingly, when my grandparents woman than she did. She is a very able were interviewed by the local paper young woman of great energy”. on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary, they identified the two It’s fair to say that Oxford and I were proudest moments of their life as never an easy fit. Having accepted being when their son’s horse won the the (bad) advice to choose a modern, Caulfield Cup and when their grand- co-residential, undergraduate college daughter won the Rhodes. The order (“less stress and better plumbing”), of priority was not accidental – and I never learnt to joy in young men nor do I begrudge it. abseiling in the staircase at 2am or in the ritual hyperemesis of the Friday
7 RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN WENDY CARLIN (Western Australia & Wadham, 1979)
night quad. It was a welcome relief, I was catapulted from being a be the Economics Department at then, after completing my MPhil, to foundation student at Murdoch University College London. Being transfer on a JRF to Wolfson College University in WA, where I so close (geographically) to Rhodes for my DPhil. Throughout, it must be participated in an extraordinary House still, is bound to produce said, the teaching and supervision I experiment in undergraduate a very different experience of the received ranged from the eccentric to teaching, to Oxford where I Scholarship years than for others. the derelict. embarked on a conventional and very challenging MPhil in Economics. Without the Scholarship, I would And yet, I am deeply grateful to At Murdoch, I was one of 500 not be doing what I do now. I Oxford and to the Rhodes Trust for 4 students who began in the first year would not have formed the global ½ years that changed my life. Perhaps, of the university’s existence. Tutors, networks of contacts in economics above all, I learnt self-reliance. And professors and students mixed and economic policy-making that while arguably I could have done that easily in the exciting atmosphere have made it possible to get an anywhere, “anywhere” would never of an attempt at multidisciplinary international collaborative project have offered a most beautiful city, undergraduate education. Many underway which aims to transform one of the world’s great libraries, a students were older and the teaching the way economics is taught around dazzlingly bright, international cohort faculty were drawn from all over the the world. This is the CORE project of peers, a cornucopia of distinguished world. The contrast with Oxford was – www.core-econ.org – an example visitors and music, and exposure extreme. The link from Murdoch to of how a deep curriculum reform can to a community of scholars whose Oxford was provided by two tutors be achieved by engaging research- intellectual generosity and passion of mine at Murdoch, Geoff Gallop active academics in a conservative came as a revelation. (Western Australia & St John’s, 1972) discipline. and Kim Beazley (Western Australia Curiously, perhaps, the thing for which A group of more than 20 academics & Balliol, 1973). I am most grateful is the pleasure the as authors and several hundred Rhodes gave my family. While my Once in Oxford, Rhodes House and more as reviewers and contributors academic life has always remained other Scholars provided me with have produced an open-access largely a closed book to them, the respite from the overwhelmingly interactive e-text used to teach vernacular ensures that “you don’t male-dominated world of graduate a first course in economics. From have to be a Rhodes Scholar” to students in economics. It was an scratch three years ago, it’s now glimpse the significance of the award. important element in my survival in replaced the standard course at Accordingly, when my grandparents that very competitive environment. UCL, Sciences Po, Toulouse School were interviewed by the local paper of Economics, Humboldt University on the occasion of their 50th wedding I’ve spent my life since the years of and many other places around the anniversary, they identified the two the Scholarship living in Oxford. It’s world. The ingredients have been proudest moments of their life as my kids’ home. I taught for some networks, digital communication and being when their son’s horse won the years in Oxford, am an associate publishing, and a commitment to Caulfield Cup and when their grand- fellow of Nuffield, affiliated with empowering students, wherever they daughter won the Rhodes. The order the Martin School, and work live, with a way to understand the of priority was not accidental – and closely with colleagues in the economy. nor do I begrudge it. Economics Department. But I have chosen my academic home to
RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN 8 FIONA PIXLEY (Western Australia & Corpus Christi, 1980)
I can still hear my mum saying that in the work place and the public a fellow first year medical student space. Studies show that women was “very good at footy and cricket, – even highly successful women – and clever as well. He could be undervalue themselves and undersell a Rhodes Scholar!” At the time I their talents. Add to that, lack of thought that if he could be one, confidence, and for many of us, the then why couldn’t I? However, this demands of family life and children, was 1975, when the Scholarship it’s not surprising that some female was the exclusive domain of men, Scholars feel that their contribution and when women were heavily to “fighting the world’s fight” might impacted by the “soft bigotry of low fall just a little short. I have become expectations”. Yet, two short years involved with advising and selecting later the Scholarship was opened up today’s aspiring Scholars and I see to women and in 1979 I was thrilled that same uncertainty – albeit mixed to be added to the list of Western with a fierce determination – in Australian Scholars. As Rhodes many female applicants still. Hence, House allowed me to complete my perhaps my most important ‘Rhodes medical studies, I left Perth on a 40 role’ is to mentor young girls and degree January day and arrived in women, to instil a sense of confidence Oxford with 18 inches of snow about and self-belief in the girls I coach, the to fall. As you all know, heavy snow young women I teach and the older is rare in Oxford but picture those women I am fortunate to call my ancient buildings covered in snow friends and colleagues. under a clear blue sky. Despite the cold, I was immediately hooked and subsequently spent many hours exploring the nooks and crannies of that beguiling city, even though the skies were rarely either clear or blue for the next eight years! To meet people, I rowed, swam, played water polo and volleyball inside and out of the university. So much so that it surprised some that I completed my DPhil. Then hospital rotations, new research directions and life in general delayed my return home for 25 years, although Australia always beckoned.
Looking back through the years since my time in Oxford, while much has changed, much has not for women
9 RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN VESNA DRAPAC (Australia-at-Large & New College, 1981)
in the work place and the public I loved Oxford so much and stayed described as ‘nurturing’. At that time space. Studies show that women so long that my family began there was widespread attachment – even highly successful women – to wonder whether I would ever among academics everywhere undervalue themselves and undersell come home. Studying at Oxford to the sink-or-swim pedagogy of their talents. Add to that, lack of was the most energising and supervision. Accordingly, Professor confidence, and for many of us, the immersive intellectual experience Cobb’s first piece of advice was: demands of family life and children, I could have hoped for. It was also “Of course you will have to go to it’s not surprising that some female a lot of fun. I forged strong and France.” Yet I learnt more from him Scholars feel that their contribution enduring friendships with a range of about history than from anyone. to “fighting the world’s fight” might remarkable students from different fall just a little short. I have become disciplines and backgrounds. They I did “of course” go to France, where involved with advising and selecting made me think hard and laugh I discovered a huge repository of today’s aspiring Scholars and I see loudly. archival materials that I believe that same uncertainty – albeit mixed helped to make my work original. with a fierce determination – in I wrote my DPhil thesis under When writing my thesis, I tried to many female applicants still. Hence, the supervision of the acclaimed model my approach on that of the perhaps my most important ‘Rhodes historian of France, Richard Cobb, ‘astonishing Cobb’, as he was called role’ is to mentor young girls and and was one of his last students. in France. In one of his last letters to women, to instil a sense of confidence Early in my candidature I was told me, Professor Cobb wrote that I had and self-belief in the girls I coach, the that he had a reputation as an done well (high praise) and reminded young women I teach and the older ‘old school’ don who could be a me always to be bold. He was an women I am fortunate to call my bit cranky, missed appointments, extraordinary man and teacher. I friends and colleagues. drank too much and wrote withering have tried to honour his memory and critiques of books of which he did his example in my professional life not approve. He was in fact quite at the University of Adelaide, where I different from the man others lecture in history. In the course of my had described to me. He was career, over almost thirty years, my humble, expansive, funny, curious, goal has been to share a little bit of and an engaging story teller. His the Oxford that formed me with all work reflected those qualities. He my students. believed that the phone was only for emergencies and, when I wanted to see him, or he me, we wrote to each other. It is true that I was in awe of Professor Cobb. I never called him by his first name and for some time he addressed me as ‘Miss Drapac’. We enjoyed many long lunches at Balliol. I also often made lunch for him, which he seemed to enjoy even though I was never much of a cook. But his supervisory style could not be
RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN 10 WENDY ERBER (Australia-at-Large & St John’s, 1982)
In this 35th year since I arrived supervisor. Gary and I returned to at Oxford, I reflect on what the Perth in 2011. I have moved from Scholarship has given me. My DPhil ‘pure’ medical practice to academia studies gave me the opportunity and am now Dean of the Faculty to work with one of the brightest of Health and Medical Sciences at minds of the time in a particular the University of Western Australia. field of medical research, whilst I continue to practice, teach and being active in College and sporting do some research, and was thrilled life and meeting inspiring people to be awarded a Fellowship of from all over the world. Sport was the Australian Academy of Health certainly on my weekly calendar: and Medical Sciences. I maintain hockey, cricket and ice hockey (very links with St John’s and with badly!) for the University. So much fellow Rhodes Scholars, and have sport that my supervisor questioned developed a link with a residential whether I was in Oxford for sport college in Perth. or for study! Fortunately I was able to achieve both and completed my DPhil to his and the University’s satisfaction. The Scholarship was a rare and wonderful opportunity which enriched and gave direction to my life. Upon returning to Australia I continued the research whilst training as a haematologist. Alas, the sport was over and my joints now suffer the consequences. My subsequent 30-year career has been in diagnostic haematology and applied leukaemia research. I moved from my ‘home town’ of Sydney to Perth (Western Australia) where I met and married Gary Hoffman (Commonwealth Medical Scholar – Magdalen). After working as a laboratory haematologist for some years, we spent seven years living and working in Cambridge and seeing how the ‘other place’ worked. It was a delight to be able to have a Cambridge-Oxford ‘rematch’ through a research collaboration with my former DPhil
11 RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN BEE CHEN GOH (Malaysia & Lincoln, 1984)
supervisor. Gary and I returned to Phew! It’s now been slightly over modern-day digital education, Perth in 2011. I have moved from three decades since my going down. SCU is a gem in its own right. I ‘pure’ medical practice to academia To say time has really flown is indeed quickly adapted to a vastly different and am now Dean of the Faculty an understatement. Well, since that educational environment – not just of Health and Medical Sciences at time, I’ve made this inter-continental online, but cross-campus with inter- the University of Western Australia. move to Australia and have called state footprints. I am now proudly I continue to practice, teach and the Gold Coast home for the most an inter-stater, with one foot in do some research, and was thrilled part of my life now. Queensland and the other in New to be awarded a Fellowship of South Wales. Literally. the Australian Academy of Health Having been in legal practice for a and Medical Sciences. I maintain while in Malaysia, a career change Life at home has been quietly links with St John’s and with in academia in Australia presented satisfying. My husband, Chamkaur, fellow Rhodes Scholars, and have itself rather unexpectedly. In no has been an academic at Bond ever developed a link with a residential time my husband and I packed our since our arrival and our daughter, college in Perth. bags and headed southwards for Mindy, born and bred in Queensland, this grand adventure. I commenced is an aspiring poet. my academic life at the Bond Law School – it was an exciting time I am grateful for and proud of not just institutionally at Bond, but the Rhodes legacy. In celebrating nationally in Australia, as Bond the 40th Anniversary of Rhodes started as the first private university Women, I am reminded that I am in Australia and was barely in its the first female Malaysian Rhodes second year running when we arrived. Scholar. More have since followed. Indeed, an experiment in higher Together, hopefully, we have made education in Australia, which more our individual contributions in than two decades later, has paid off. activating the Rhodes vision – a But, the early times were tumultuous community of global peace-builders and uncertain. However, the place through scholarship, fellowship and was infused with an energy that leadership. spurred staff and students on. It was very much like the Rhodes spirit – forever indefatigable.
More than a decade afterwards, I was fortunate enough to become the first female Law Head of School at the School of Law and Justice, Southern Cross University. Considered rural-remote-regional and with a pioneering role in distance education and what I’d consider a forerunner to our
RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN 12 SUSAN SCOTT (Rhodes Visiting Fellow & Somerville, 1985)
I am Australian and held a Rhodes what was happening in the world of Visiting Fellowship in Oxford for mathematical physics. three years from January 1986 to December 1988. This provided The group at that time was filled an extraordinary opportunity to with interesting characters, a number combine postdoctoral research of whom, including Roger, are still with the research group at The close colleagues and friends. I recall Mathematical Institute (then located that shortly after I arrived I met a at the northern end of St Giles’) led group member, Andrew Hodges, who by Prof Sir Roger Penrose had a had recently written the book “Alan wonderful affiliation with Somerville Turing: The Enigma” which went on College, across the road, which was to become a bestseller. The group a women’s college at that time. attended the play “Breaking the Code” derived from the book in London’s The Mathematical Institute was West End. Prof Penrose himself is a truly exciting place to work an inspirational scientist, the most with a constant stream of visiting ingenious person I have ever met, as international mathematicians, well as one of the nicest. ranging from aspiring postdocs (like myself at the time) and students As a member of the Senior Common through to respected luminaries such Room at Somerville College, it was as Fields Medallists. This made for wonderful to be able to balance lively discussions at morning and my research life with an enclave of afternoon teas and provided a unique fabulous female academics in the opportunity to attend a wide range of SCR at Somerville. At a time when seminars and visiting lecture series. there were thick glass ceilings in place for women in Australia, I was in awe As an undergraduate at Monash of the Somerville women who had University in Melbourne I had gone before such as Mary Somerville, dreamed of working with the Penrose Indira Gandhi, Dorothy Hodgkin and group at Oxford. His group was the Margaret Thatcher to name but a few. mathematical physics gravitation I had the good fortune to meet some group and working with them for of them at college dinners. One of four years not only exceeded my these was our intriguing and colourful earlier expectations but also provided Principal, Daphne Park, British the foundation for my future career super spy, although her incredible in mathematical physics at The background was not publicly known Australian National University. Every then. After Oxford, I was ready to Friday we had the ’Friday meeting’ in attack the glass ceilings back home! Roger’s office around lunchtime and this was when we talked as a group about our ideas, our research and
13 RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN BRONTE ADAMS (Western Australia & Balliol, 1986)
what was happening in the world of Recently, I completed the final year might be designing the conditions mathematical physics. of an extremely rewarding four- for cultural and creative output year stint selecting new Rhodes that is diverse and appeals across The group at that time was filled Scholars in Australia. The experience ages, backgrounds, dispositions and with interesting characters, a number provoked renewed reflection on aspirations. of whom, including Roger, are still what we seek from our Scholars and close colleagues and friends. I recall the nature of our commitment as My recent – humbling and inspiring that shortly after I arrived I met a Rhodes Scholars. – experience on the selection panel group member, Andrew Hodges, who for new Scholars reminded me had recently written the book “Alan The final test when making hard of the need to relentlessly renew Turing: The Enigma” which went on selection decisions comes down to and refresh the diversity of our to become a bestseller. The group an assessment of whom I think is community through the Scholars attended the play “Breaking the Code” most likely to change the world for we select. Diverse views arise from derived from the book in London’s the better. All candidates perform diverse experiences. Differences West End. Prof Penrose himself is to high academic standards of background, privilege, culture, an inspirational scientist, the most and demonstrate high levels of gender, ethnicity, discipline can be ingenious person I have ever met, as competence in many areas. Beyond barriers to renewal and change. well as one of the nicest. that, the heart of the Rhodes ethos for me is a powerful desire The luxury of the Rhodes ethos As a member of the Senior Common to contribute to a better world - to me is that it envisages self- Room at Somerville College, it was combined with a capacity to do so. development as a collective or social wonderful to be able to balance good. It’s a gift that keeps on giving. my research life with an enclave of A wonderful effect of living and fabulous female academics in the studying in Oxford is exposure to SCR at Somerville. At a time when an international community of there were thick glass ceilings in place extraordinary people. For many of for women in Australia, I was in awe us, this immersion simultaneously of the Somerville women who had cut some limiting cords of earlier gone before such as Mary Somerville, selves, and lifted the ambitions of Indira Gandhi, Dorothy Hodgkin and emergent selves. Margaret Thatcher to name but a few. I had the good fortune to meet some Without the Rhodes Scholarship, of them at college dinners. One of I very much doubt I would have these was our intriguing and colourful transitioned from teaching medieval Principal, Daphne Park, British literature to founding a business. It’s super spy, although her incredible a public policy consultancy firm. Our background was not publicly known work might involve designing better then. After Oxford, I was ready to services for the most disadvantaged attack the glass ceilings back home! on a financially sustainable basis. Or growing an ecosystem that catalyses entrepreneurs and startups without defaulting to `business welfare’ as the lever to do so. It
RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN 14 VICKI SPENCER (South Australia & Nuffield, 1986)
My most vivid recollection is the of second-wave feminism. In day I received the award. I have 1986, there were four women (all no idea what it feels like to win a students) at the Politics dinner. The million dollars but I suspect the Fellow who delivered the after- elation is quite similar; I knew my dinner speech indicated that there life had changed forever. Being might not be many women at the one of the few South Australian college but one’s girlfriend could women to have been awarded be invited to dinner on guest night it, was of course special, but the which, on reflection, was really fact that I was the first person rather a good thing so the rest of from Flinders University to have the time one could get on with applied successfully, and I was one’s work unimpeded. Three years also a woman, made it especially later another Fellow noted the so. I had only ever met one positive occurrence that there were person who had attended Oxford no new female students in politics. University. When he suggested I should consider going, I almost I could recount many similar choked on the beer I was drinking. tales but fortunately there were I had never met a Rhodes Scholar. some positive moments: the Indeed, until the dinner invitation JCR complained about the first to Government House arrived in instance and, despite my gender, the post, I had no real sense of I became JCR President. When the significance of the award over our women’s group asked the other scholarships. I just dreamt of JCR to fund a seminar series to studying at Oxford. bring top female academics to the college, some male students The special character of the exerted pressure on us to withdraw Rhodes was poignantly brought the request. But when it came home to me when my father to the vote they didn’t attend almost died while I was studying. I and I’m extremely pleased the remain extremely grateful for the series remains part of the college extraordinary kindness and support calendar today; small steps do Rhodes House showed me with the after all make a difference! provision of copious tissues and a flight home.
My Oxford dream was, however, quickly dented due to the unabashed sexism I encountered. Feminism might have been entering its third wave, but Nuffield College still needed a good dose
15 RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN KATHRYN BROWN (South Australia & Balliol, 1988)
of second-wave feminism. In When I left Australia in 1988 to around the world. Opportunities 1986, there were four women (all take up a Rhodes Scholarship, I multiply as they are taken, and it students) at the Politics dinner. The had little idea of the multi-faceted, was, without doubt, the award of a Fellow who delivered the after- international career that I would Rhodes Scholarship that has given dinner speech indicated that there ultimately pursue. I was fortunate to me the vision and confidence to might not be many women at the join a vibrant research community pursue my aspirations. college but one’s girlfriend could in the Faculty of Modern Languages be invited to dinner on guest night at Oxford where I completed a which, on reflection, was really DPhil in French Literature. Many rather a good thing so the rest of of the colleagues and faculty the time one could get on with members I met there have sustained one’s work unimpeded. Three years my passion for the humanities later another Fellow noted the and have had a major impact on positive occurrence that there were my thinking. Keen to explore new no new female students in politics. possibilities, I embarked on a career in law after my DPhil and spent I could recount many similar 14 years working as a corporate tales but fortunately there were lawyer in the City of London. It some positive moments: the was undoubtedly my experience JCR complained about the first as a Rhodes Scholar that gave instance and, despite my gender, me the courage to embark on I became JCR President. When this new trajectory and to seek our women’s group asked the out challenges in a field that JCR to fund a seminar series to was unfamiliar to me. In the duel bring top female academics to between the world of corporate the college, some male students finance and the world of the arts, exerted pressure on us to withdraw the latter has, however, been the request. But when it came victorious in my personal history. It to the vote they didn’t attend was with recollection of the joy that and I’m extremely pleased the my doctoral studies brought me series remains part of the college that I decided, in 2007, to leave the calendar today; small steps do City and to become an art historian. after all make a difference! Armed with a second PhD (this time from Birkbeck College, London), I am now a lecturer in modern and contemporary art at Loughborough University in the United Kingdom where I have the pleasure of enthusing new generations of students about the practical, imaginative, and expressive possibilities of visual cultures from
RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN 16 KATE VINOT (Australia-at-Large & Balliol, 1989)
No-one was more surprised than me basketball and college squash, to find out that I had been awarded attended various college balls and of a Rhodes Scholarship. I had been course, enjoyed in-room dinner parties working for a year as a geotechnical where we drank rather a lot and engineer but had always been debated everything from the intricacies passionate about the environment of Beowulf to who was seeing who in and wondered why anyone would Holywell Manor. I also explored the ever knowingly choose to damage lesser known delights of Oxford as a it. What on earth was driving their permit-holder for Wytham Woods, decision-making? which we accessed by bike across Port Meadow, stopping at The Perch I shared my interest with the Rhodes or The Trout on the way back. selection committee but, not ever expecting to be selected, I mainly I went from Oxford to Paris, then focussed on the fun of being part from Paris to Prague, and worked in of the process (lunch at Victoria’s environment and socio-economic Government House, a trip to Canberra development issues across Europe and dinner at Yarralumla, amazing and francophone Africa. At one stage, people on the short list, some of which as way continued to lead onto way, “I are still my friends today). Still, it was doubted if I should every come back”. my name that was called out in the Eventually, though, the Rhodes road end and, as Robert Frost once wrote converged. Armed with eight years about a choice of paths: “that has of wonderful experiences, a French made all the difference”. husband and four very young children, I came home. For the past 18 years, At Oxford, I initially started a DPhil I have been living and working in in geotechnical engineering but, Melbourne where I enjoy the company “knowing how way leads onto of several Rhodes Scholars, both way”, I ended up studying a MSC in professionally and personally, as part Economic for Development. I added of a vibrant local Rhodes community. economics to my environment interest, I have continued to pursue my then majored in how you could use passion for the environment and socio-economics to understand good, evidence-based decision- behaviour. My interest in decision- making through an increasingly making meant that I unwittingly wider lens. I have held a range of trained myself in a form of ‘triple senior management and board roles bottom line’ well before the term was in the waste, water, energy, land coined by John Elkington in 1999 in his management and community sectors, seminal book, ‘Cannibals with Forks’. and hope that as a result of the great Rhodes opportunity, I too, have made I plunged into Oxford life. I spent time a difference. at Rhodes House, was secretary of the Australian Club, played University
17 RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN SUSAN COLES (South Australia & St Catherine’s, 1989)
basketball and college squash, For me, winning the Rhodes Ambassador with a personal passion attended various college balls and of Scholarship was particularly special for gender empowerment issues, I have course, enjoyed in-room dinner parties as I was following in the footsteps of • Led our Embassy team and where we drank rather a lot and my older sister, Jennifer Coles (South mobilised resources in support of debated everything from the intricacies Australia & Balliol, 1979). I believe I the Mauritius Minister for Gender of Beowulf to who was seeing who in was the first sister of another woman to secure passage of stronger Holywell Manor. I also explored the Scholar, which felt like an important Domestic Violence legislation in lesser known delights of Oxford as a moment for Women Rhodes Scholars Mauritius, through workshops, permit-holder for Wytham Woods, - truly a Rhodes sisterhood! advocacy and lobbying; which we accessed by bike across Port Meadow, stopping at The Perch Law at Oxford for me opened up • Designed and delivered, in or The Trout on the way back. the whole world of International partnership with Mauritian and law, human rights law and EU law, Australian women entrepreneurs, I went from Oxford to Paris, then leading me to the UN, international a coaching and mentoring project from Paris to Prague, and worked in diplomacy and ultimately, a position in my four countries. This project environment and socio-economic as an Ambassador representing has helped octopus fisherwomen development issues across Europe Australia in the Indian Ocean. One in Mauritius; rice-growers and and francophone Africa. At one stage, never knows how the other aspects of dressmakers in Madagascar; and as way continued to lead onto way, “I life at Oxford – European travel and vanilla growers in the Comores to doubted if I should every come back”. language study during the holidays, grow their businesses and mentor Eventually, though, the Rhodes road internships at the international and others; converged. Armed with eight years UN bodies located in the region – will • Supported establishment of a of wonderful experiences, a French add to career possibilities. Pursuing “women in uniform” networks in husband and four very young children, the study of French enabled me Mauritius and Seychelles as a I came home. For the past 18 years, to nominate as Australia’s High mechanism to empower women in I have been living and working in Commissioner and Ambassador to the police, fire, prison, nursing and Melbourne where I enjoy the company the four francophone islands of the customs services; of several Rhodes Scholars, both Indian Ocean: Mauritius, Seychelles, • Hosted an International Women’s professionally and personally, as part Madagascar and Comores. Day panel on promoting Women of a vibrant local Rhodes community. and Girls in STEM (Science, I have continued to pursue my Obviously being an Ambassador is a Technology, Engineering and passion for the environment and broad role and by no means gender Maths), with the President – good, evidence-based decision- specific. But there is no doubt that Mauritius’ first Woman President making through an increasingly it has traditionally been a male- and herself a scientist and wider lens. I have held a range of dominated field, so as the number entrepreneur, as guest of honour. senior management and board roles of women ambassadors (along with In the same year I was delighted in the waste, water, energy, land Foreign and Prime Ministers!) grows to welcome a fellow Australian management and community sectors, globally, there are opportunities Rhodes Scholar and Professor Ann and hope that as a result of the great to be a role model for young Nicholson of Monash University, Rhodes opportunity, I too, have made diplomats, students of international for a school Science Competition. a difference. relations and schoolgirls. During my time in Mauritius, as an Australian
RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN 18 MARINA HUGHES (Western Australia & Magdalen, 1990)
The Scholarship was advertised on achieve a more senior clinical role, then the Medical School noticeboard, four adopt life with simpler logistics. weeks before applications closed. In the hot, dry, eucalyptus shade, For extended family reasons, we later Oxford seemed far away. But this was uprooted from Melbourne, but the opportunity, and I had nothing to lose. Scholarship record helped me achieve a consultant post in paediatric I arrived in grey January, after cardiology in London. I am part of completing a medical internship. Only a team establishing cardiac MRI for on the cold stone staircase towards congenital heart disease. However, this my College room, did the adventure’s work is full-time within the UK national enormity and the Scholarship’s health system - a demanding clinical responsibility sink in. Those ancient, workload with limited resources. I look centrally hollowed steps; smoothly after individual patients, I contribute worn by centuries of students. to team decisions, and I teach and How incredible to learn here, in the support colleagues. At the same time, company of generations before me. Tom and I try to manage all the needs of our children. My clinical DPhil project involved bacterial and epidemiological I have made a difference to people research, exploring the “herd immunity” under my care, locally, at the coalface effect of a vaccine against bacteria of clinical medicine. I have written a called haemophilus influenzae type b. few academic publications, but haven’t I contributed a small piece of evidence influenced a public health movement, within a huge international operation managed a large organisation nor to implement this vaccine. led laboratory innovation. I have not earned a fortune to donate to public Oxford’s lasting influence on me, causes. I haven’t even made time for however, is humbling; the inspiration Facebook or LinkedIn. provided by the wit, imagination and achievement of my Rhodes and other Every day, I am conscious that the colleagues. In comparison, what have Scholarship’s honour and gift gives me I achieved? the duty to have a greater influence. I feel guilty for not yet achieving this. After my DPhil, I remained in Oxford for paediatric clinical training. Working However, I am now reaching a situation arduous clinical hours, I met my partner, with fewer home responsibilities. I Tom, then an Emergency medicine am seeking ways to make a bigger trainee. We moved to Melbourne difference with my skills. The and while our three children were Scholarship had given me proof and young, I trained full-time in neonatal promise: There is still great opportunity. medicine, intensive care, then paediatric cardiology. The aim was to rapidly
19 RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN PRUDENCE SCOTT (New Zealand & Lincoln, 1990)
achieve a more senior clinical role, then My time in Oxford as a Rhodes with whom I had one-on-one adopt life with simpler logistics. Scholar was very special – a discussions of texts, essays and unique opportunity to broaden thesis plans. There is nowhere to hide For extended family reasons, we later horizons and be enriched from when there is just one of you! And uprooted from Melbourne, but the both an academic and personal the long discussions and debates Scholarship record helped me achieve perspective. All against the stunning over dinners at Lincoln College, a consultant post in paediatric backdrop of the Dreaming Spires. my flat, or an ale at The Turf or cardiology in London. I am part of My undergraduate medical degree The Bear, with fellow students who a team establishing cardiac MRI for had necessarily been very much were passionate, intellectual and congenital heart disease. However, this evidence-based, science-driven fun. One of my favourite memories work is full-time within the UK national and largely based on a reductionist was being part of the 1992 Rhodes health system - a demanding clinical approach. The Master of Philosophy Reading Party organised by Sir workload with limited resources. I look in Management Studies catapulted Anthony Kenny, then Warden of after individual patients, I contribute me into a world of long reading Rhodes House. High amongst the to team decisions, and I teach and lists filled with literature written French Alps near Chamonix we support colleagues. At the same time, from an experiential perspective, walked, played, debated, laughed, Tom and I try to manage all the needs richly described and with no right or ate and drank and established firm of our children. wrong answer. Temporarily dazed, and lasting friendships. I have yet I armed myself with a dictionary to decide if the fact that 11 out of I have made a difference to people (my first Blackwells purchase) 14 of us were Scorpio was just a under my care, locally, at the coalface and adjusted to the challenge of chance finding. I was delighted to of clinical medicine. I have written a reading widely, understanding the see Sir Anthony again in London few academic publications, but haven’t breadth of the views, and distilling outside St James’s Palace in the Mall influenced a public health movement, my own reasoned response to the three years ago where he explained managed a large organisation nor question or issue. This has been an to my three children, that he was led laboratory innovation. I have not incredibly important lesson when responsible for paying for my Oxford earned a fortune to donate to public faced with a number of totally new education! I am enormously grateful causes. I haven’t even made time for and challenging situations since – for his support throughout my time Facebook or LinkedIn. from the molecular biology DPhil as a Rhodes Scholar, and that of the Every day, I am conscious that the I subsequently undertook (with Rhodes Trust in providing me with Scholarship’s honour and gift gives me minimal prior laboratory experience), this incredible opportunity. the duty to have a greater influence. I starting back on the wards after feel guilty for not yet achieving this. almost six years away from clinical medicine, and the ultimate deep-end However, I am now reaching a situation experience of first-time parenthood. with fewer home responsibilities. I Twenty-five years on, I am still am seeking ways to make a bigger drawing from those lessons learnt to difference with my skills. The deal with challenging issues. Scholarship had given me proof and promise: There is still great opportunity. But the highlight of the Oxford experience was undoubtedly the people: the tutors and supervisors
RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN 20 DOROTHY STEANE (Tasmania & University, 1991)
I had a thirst for travel. I had than Australia. Three months of grown up with ‘world-class driving around in a clapped out wilderness’ on my back doorstep HiLux, dealing with local officials, and world-class beaches out my staying in remote villages, eating front door. But I wanted more. I local food, dancing to local music, wanted to understand where I, contracting local diseases, visiting a white Australian, came from. local hospitals … it was a once The Rhodes Scholarship gave me in a life time experience. But the that opportunity. In Europe I saw most difficult aspects were human evidence of great, old civilisations, – corrupt officials, opportunistic of terrible wars, the spoils of villains, misogynistic men, racist exploration and conquests, and lads and violent retribution. We I experienced for the first time experienced them all and were glad in my life, racial, cultural and to return to England. I didn’t belong class prejudice. In 1988, Australia in Tanzania. commemorated its 200th year of white colonization. In 1991, Third stop in my Rhodes travel the English still thought of us agenda was six months of lab work as being ‘from the colonies’, the in Boulder, Colorado, USA. It was underclasses that were sent away fabulous! Mountain biking, skiing, for petty crimes to exploit new coffee and good food. The locals found territories for the pleasure were so friendly that they would chat and comfort of mother England. to me at the traffic lights … even Many Europeans (and Americans) so, it took me a long time to make were a bit confused that I was white friends. But those friends are still (‘Tasmania is part of Africa, right?’) friends now. and many complimented me on my My Rhodes adventure taught me excellent English. that it is the people that make a My DPhil in Plant Science gave me place what it is. Home is where you plenty of scope for travel. I would feel like you belong to a community. spend long days at Kew Gardens, The happiest places have a sense of wandering through the green houses community that comes from shared or ensconced in the herbarium, values and shared experiences. I pouring over specimens annotated have many homes and I am grateful. by the great botanists themselves (Linneaus, Brown, Bentham, Hooker). My field work took me to Tanzania (‘… so you are going home to do your field work?’) where I met some truly wonderful people. I loved living close to nature – even bigger, higher, hotter, colder and more dangerous
21 RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN MARNIE HUGHES-WARRINGTON (Tasmania & Merton, 1992)
than Australia. Three months of I do not think I will ever forget the ANU to find talented high-school driving around in a clapped out surprise and the delight I felt when students around Australia has been HiLux, dealing with local officials, I learned that I was awarded the wonderful, as has been helping the staying in remote villages, eating Tasmanian Rhodes Scholarship for Westpac Bicentennial Foundation to local food, dancing to local music, 1992. Nor should I. I have always support promising students with its contracting local diseases, visiting viewed the selection committee’s inspirational gift of $100 million. But I local hospitals … it was a once decision as being based upon them have much more to do. in a life time experience. But the seeing more potential in me than I most difficult aspects were human saw in myself at the time. I think I am I appreciate the global expansion of – corrupt officials, opportunistic only really beginning to realise that the Rhodes Scholarships; the passion villains, misogynistic men, racist potential now. for education in developing economies lads and violent retribution. We is inspiring, and it played a key role experienced them all and were glad That’s the crux of a transformative in my decision to join the university to return to England. I didn’t belong educational experience, and helping advisory board of edX, an online in Tanzania. others to experience that same consortium which is currently offering Third stop in my Rhodes travel opportunity is what my 21-year courses to seven million students agenda was six months of lab work old self wanted most to do with a around the world. I want the world in Boulder, Colorado, USA. It was Rhodes Scholarship. This is because to derive the best from technology – fabulous! Mountain biking, skiing, I believed—and still believe—that inspired innovation, and to make sure coffee and good food. The locals education is the best investment you that it is synonymous with educational were so friendly that they would chat can make to create a better world. opportunity, social inclusion and care. to me at the traffic lights … even Education leads to better health, to so, it took me a long time to make economic growth, and to social and There was quite a while when I friends. But those friends are still cultural strength and inclusion. doubted that I would be able to live friends now. up to the promise of the Scholarship. Educational access and attainment is It was a revelation to discover that My Rhodes adventure taught me not a remote problem. It’s not hard to a lot of Scholars feel that way. It is that it is the people that make a see why so few students are eligible an honour to serve as the fifth – and place what it is. Home is where you to apply for a Tasmanian Rhodes first woman – national secretary, feel like you belong to a community. Scholarship, for example, when you and to encourage and inspire both The happiest places have a sense of know that a smaller proportion Scholars and applicants to see more community that comes from shared of high school students there are in themselves than they would credit. values and shared experiences. I completing school and going on to I love working with Scholars, whether have many homes and I am grateful. university than when I was a student. they are new or part of our wonderful, This has to change, and I am proud wise senior Scholar group. They that a Rhodes Scholar, Peter Rathjen encourage me daily to reach that little (South Australia & New College, 1985), bit higher, and to think that national is working on this in his role as the and global change in education for the Vice Chancellor at the University of better is possible. Tasmania. Working to bring the $106 million Tuckwell Scholarships gift to
RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN 22 JENNIFER MARTIN (New Zealand & Lady Margaret Hall, 1993)
A poignant memory is of arriving planning to apply for consideration for in Oxford – of wondering what a third year of Rhodes funding; I was opportunities and career trajectory engaged to be married, was a double in medicine I had left behind as my Blue, with significant other leadership colleagues commenced on specialist roles, had a wealth of very good training, yet a belief that the Rhodes friends and colleagues and was even Scholarship would enable leadership getting used to the weather. Those skills and qualities to be developed friends and colleagues have remained to inspire me to live out Cecil Rhodes’ at least in touch – many close. vision. At that time I had no fixed beliefs about this but wanted to do The Rhodes Scholarship and those projects that would improve access to early experiences of incredible healthcare resources. Definitely a life isolation yet comraderie, shared changing opportunity. Rhodes vision and shared ambitious personality traits to do “something Coming from a six-year medical that mattered” enabled me on several degree and resident year in a very occasions to find the leadership busy peripheral hospital, arriving in within, and to get on with the job. Oxford in 1994 was surreal, perhaps Not waiting for an opportunity to contributed to by a 30-hour flight and offer itself, but rather looking for the arriving jetlagged early in the morning leadership opportunities that are into Heathrow. Lining up in the ‘Aliens’ needed, regardless of the support, Customs queue, whilst people from financial or human. Need was global, close by places with no historical based on fairness, equity, suffering; connection to the UK, passed straight not location or history. I learnt the through was also odd – as I came importance of working with people from a country where England was who shared a passion for humanity, considered the mother country and a vision for justice and fairness, a the Queen still ‘our’ Queen. Memories strong sense of belonging, supporting are of dark and cold skies and an the human race, regardless of titles, extreme sense of isolation despite money and background, and a vision being in a busy city. In fact I did not to improve the world. Even though I know a soul in the entire country. now work in a small University and My College had seemingly not been teaching Hospital, those leadership expecting me and advised that I could values and a vision to improve not have my room until the end of the suffering has guided me into roles week. I figured that the porter had no where I can be an effective contributor idea that flying back to New Zealand to improved health outcomes in for a few days was not really possible. both health policy and patient care; exponentially more than I could have It would have seemed done without the Rhodes opportunity. incomprehensible at that time to think that in 24 months I would be
23 RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN KAREN LOCKETT-YEUNG (Australia-at-Large & Magdalen, 1993)
planning to apply for consideration for I arrived in Oxford as an public policy roles, including Chair a third year of Rhodes funding; I was overwhelmed Rhodes Scholar over of the Nuffield Council of Bioethics engaged to be married, was a double 20 years ago, having completed Working Party on Genome Editing Blue, with significant other leadership a Law/Commerce degree at and Human Reproduction, member roles, had a wealth of very good Melbourne Law School and survived of the British Academy’s Working friends and colleagues and was even six months as an articled clerk Group on Data Governance, and getting used to the weather. Those in a major commercial law firm. a member of the World Economic friends and colleagues have remained There was little time to digest the Forum’s Global Futures Council on at least in touch – many close. reality of my new home - Magdalen Biotechnologies. Being a Rhodes College (an old, traditional and Scholar utterly transformed my life, The Rhodes Scholarship and those breathtakingly beautiful college) in countless ways that I can barely early experiences of incredible for the pace was fast and furious. begin to articulate. It was a rare, isolation yet comraderie, shared Despite completing the Bachelor of precious gift and an extraordinary Rhodes vision and shared ambitious Civil Law degree very successfully, I privilege, for which I am, and will personality traits to do “something had struggled on occasion to digest always be, unutterably grateful. that mattered” enabled me on several the discussion that swirled around occasions to find the leadership me in class. The extraordinary within, and to get on with the job. calibre and diversity of my fellow Not waiting for an opportunity to students from around the globe was offer itself, but rather looking for the perhaps more stimulating than the leadership opportunities that are formal, academic side of Oxford life. needed, regardless of the support, Within this cosmopolitan community financial or human. Need was global, it was particularly liberating to based on fairness, equity, suffering; call myself ‘an Australian’, without not location or history. I learnt the being met with the response, “no, importance of working with people but where are you really from?” who shared a passion for humanity, which I had encountered growing a vision for justice and fairness, a up in Australia as the daughter of strong sense of belonging, supporting ethnically Chinese parents. the human race, regardless of titles, money and background, and a vision I went on to become an Oxford to improve the world. Even though I Don myself, aged 25, completed a now work in a small University and DPhil and worked hard to forge my teaching Hospital, those leadership academic identity before taking values and a vision to improve up a Chair in Law at King’s College suffering has guided me into roles London in 2006 where I am now where I can be an effective contributor also Director of the Centre for to improved health outcomes in Technology, Ethics, Law and Society. both health policy and patient care; Now married with two young exponentially more than I could have daughters (who bring extraordinary done without the Rhodes opportunity. love, joy and richness to my life), I also serve in a number of fascinating
RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN 24 NATASHA HENDRICK (Australia-at-Large & University, 1993)
I had spent 24 hours on a bus been more important than I could before – travelling north to the have ever imagined for both my remote desert mining town of professional and volunteer careers. Mt Isa, and south to the bustling art-filled streets of Melbourne; but Three years ago our ‘Oxford gang’ 24 hours on a plane took me to a reunited… 20 years after it all whole new world in Oxford. started. From all continents we travelled to reconnect and share. Having grown up on a small family Our professional fields of expertise farm, I remember the early days in and our personal experiences are Oxford as a struggle to learn how to as diverse as the countries we come live in my city surrounds – so many from – how incredible that we could people crammed into such a tiny talk and laugh so comfortably as space! What had me enthralled friends! Of course we’re counting however, were the languages around down to the next reunion … me. Never before had I heard so many different accents and words – such a rich cultural tapestry. And so began my transformation into a citizen of the world.
My most special memories of life in Oxford are of the friends who shared the trials and tribulations of a postgraduate life. Together we made our way through early adulthood – learning and exploring, making mistakes and picking ourselves back up, growing and celebrating. Our travel adventures over weekends and term breaks further opened my eyes to the delight of international discovery. I haven’t stopped travelling since – to all corners of the globe; for work and pleasure.
So the indelible footprint left by my Rhodes Scholar experience? Certainly I became a more skilled scientist. But most significantly – I learnt to work and play with people from all over the world. This has
25 RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN CAROLYN EVANS (Victoria & Exeter, 1995)
been more important than I could As the current Honorary Secretary sense of living in two different have ever imagined for both my of the Victorian Selection worlds for much of my Oxford time. professional and volunteer careers. Committee for the Rhodes Scholarship, I have the privilege of Being a Rhodes Scholar has Three years ago our ‘Oxford gang’ being present when new Scholars undoubtedly been of help in my reunited… 20 years after it all are informed that they have been career ever since. I was appointed started. From all continents we elected. The moment is emotional Dean of Melbourne Law School at travelled to reconnect and share. for everyone and brings back a comparatively young age and Our professional fields of expertise stark memories for me of my own was the first woman to lead the and our personal experiences are election, and the combination of institution in its 150-year history. In as diverse as the countries we come stunned disbelief and joy. those situations, it helps to have the from – how incredible that we could ‘respectability’ of the Rhodes behind talk and laugh so comfortably as While any of us who have lived you – people who might otherwise friends! Of course we’re counting at Oxford know that the years be critical of a young woman being down to the next reunion … spent there can be mixed ones, put into a position of responsibility in all sorts of ways, my memories are reassured by the credentialing are overwhelmingly happy ones. I that Rhodes brings. was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to take up a two-year The Rhodes has given me the lectureship at Exeter College and courage to stretch myself and put that capacity to experience Oxford myself forward for opportunities from both the student and don when I might have otherwise been sides of the fence was very valuable unwilling to. For that, I will be to me. It also brought home to me grateful for a long time and every what a great education system we time I see the next eager, bright have in Australia. I went to Oxford Scholar elected, I am delighted for assuming that I might well be found them and all the possibilities that to be inadequate but found that, like stretch before them. most Australians, I had been well- prepared by the education that I was fortunate enough to have here.
My daughter was born in Oxford and my husband and I took great pleasure in bringing her back to her first home last year. Perhaps my strongest memory of my Oxford years is sitting up all night with a baby who wouldn’t settle then pulling on sub fusc and rushing off to undertake the viva for my DPhil at All Souls. There was a strange
RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN 26 TANYA APLIN (Western Australia & Magdalen, 1995)
The Rhodes Scholarship was, without personalities and cultural spheres. doubt, a life defining opportunity And it ultimately led to me for me. With the generous financial permanently relocating to the UK, support that it provided, it enabled where I live happily with my partner. me to study at one of the world’s leading universities and gain incredible intellectual and cultural experiences – ones that seemed unreachable for someone growing up in Perth, Western Australia. The richness and diversity of Rhodes Scholars at Oxford and their outstanding ability in a range of spheres was wonderfully exciting but also – initially at least - slightly overwhelming, until I embraced this crucible of talent as one from which I could learn. I took risks, engaged, had adventures, struggled, laughed, cried and, most importantly, learned a lot and formed some very strong friendships, which remain until this day (some two decades later). I graduated with confidence in my ability to participate successfully in a challenging environment and a sense of possibility about the future, for which I remain very grateful.
My Rhodes sponsored Oxford education undoubtedly helped me to obtain an academic post in Cambridge and, subsequently, in London where I have remained ever since. It taught me how to navigate vastly different institutions,
27 RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN KATHERINE MICHELMORE (Bermuda & Magdalen, 1995)
personalities and cultural spheres. 1 May, 1997. It is still dark as my The beauty and history of the And it ultimately led to me husband and I clamber onto our surroundings added to the sense permanently relocating to the UK, bicycles. A picnic hamper is placed of privilege, and the honor of the where I live happily with my partner. in a basket, and we cycle towards Scholarship galvanized my hard Magdalen College, accessing the work and academic achievements. Fellow’s Garden using my ‘late-gate’ Yet in the cloistered environment key to enter the College grounds. of the university there was still The bicycles are discarded and we a connection to the ‘real world’ proceed on foot, crunching along and a sense that everything that the graveled path towards Addison’s was achieved ‘in Oxford’ needed Walk and the Water Meadows. to be translated into something The sky has lightened now and meaningful for the future and any lingering mists are dispelled for society. Being part of the as the dawn breaks in earnest. international and diverse Rhodes The view across the meadow feels community engendered a belief that timeless with the college buildings we could, and should engage in the and the spires of Magdalen Tower process of change for our world. silhouetted against the brightening sky. It is now six o’clock and the Those idealistic expectations have May Day bells begin to sound and undoubtedly influenced my life’s the voices of the boys’ choir carry path. I am a doctor who has also across the meadow. Faint cheers been involved in environmental and sounds of revelry remind us that activism, politics, and held at Magdalen Bridge the crowds will office as a Senator in Bermuda. have gathered to celebrate. The My current career in Australia moment feels magical. Later, we ride continues in general practice, home and visit the polling station health policy development and as it opens to cast our votes in the continuing medical education. I feel general election. As we head off to passionately that the continuation of work, the spirit of May Day morning the Rhodes Scholarships will equip remains with us and we are excited, future generations with the drive, we anticipate change. skills, and sense of global community our changing world needs. As I reflect on this memory of my time in Oxford, it captures some of the key features of my experience. The Rhodes Scholarship provided the opportunity to enjoy Oxford as an ‘insider’, to gain access to incredible opportunities for learning and research, and to meet individuals of inspiring intellect.
RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN 28 GEMMA FIGTREE (Australia-at-Large & New College, 1999)
The Rhodes Scholarship has of time I spent hanging around with been one of the most important amazing friends there. For a medic, opportunities in my life, and has this was a great chance to broaden really framed the path that I have my mind! taken. This is not just because it led to my discovery of my husband, Stu We were an unusual group of Grieve (New South Wales & Merton, Australian Rhodes, selected in 1996), and many amazing friends 1998 - with eight of the nine in who are now distributed across the our year being women. This suited globe! Craig Wood (Western Australia & St Edmund Hall, 1998) rather well. The Rhodes supported my Unfortunately, he was a little large Doctorate in Cardiovascular to be our cox for what would have Medicine, allowing me to pursue been rather a unique eight! But he my interests in identifying new did go on to win the NSW Scholar’s mechanisms of cardiovascular heart, Chloe Flutter (New South disease that could be translated Wales & Hertford, 1999), whom he to new biomarkers and therapies went on to marry. that impact on what remains the greatest cause of mortality in the One of the most important western world. This was a life- things that I have had reinforced changing experience in itself, and through the Rhodes, is the value set me up for my development as of persistence and striving for a cardiovascular researcher. I now excellence. Regular catch-ups with enjoy leading a cross-disciplinary my Oxford friends, as well as reading team at the University of Sydney and Rhodes communications, is always Royal North Shore Hospital, whilst inspiring, hearing about the major balancing my clinical commitments impacts they are having in their as an interventional cardiologist on fields and communities. a busy ‘heart attack’ roster.
I revelled in the inspiring research and clinical environment at Oxford, but also the opportunity to meet a diverse group of intelligent and profoundly committed young adults through Rhodes, New College, hockey and the wider Oxford community. I was particularly thrilled to be adopted as an honorary member of the Geography Department – based on the amount
29 RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN JESS MELBOURNE-THOMAS (Tasmania & Linacre, 2003)
of time I spent hanging around with What has the Rhodes Scholarship In 2017, we also see a dearth of amazing friends there. For a medic, enabled me to do? Amongst other women in senior leadership globally this was a great chance to broaden things … Homeward Bound – the – particularly in science but more my mind! largest ever all-female expedition to generally too. Attrition rates for Antarctica. women in science from entry-level We were an unusual group of positions to senior positions in Australian Rhodes, selected in I am the cofounder of a project called Australia are in excess of 60% (and 1998 - with eight of the nine in Homeward Bound – a global program are just as high or higher in many our year being women. This suited for women in science and leadership, other countries). I’m very conscious Craig Wood (Western Australia & and the largest ever all-female that I could have quite easily St Edmund Hall, 1998) rather well. expedition to Antarctica. In December dropped out of the ‘leaky pipeline’ Unfortunately, he was a little large 2016 the inaugural Homeward Bound early in my career when I felt to be our cox for what would have voyage took 84 women from around isolated and confused about what been rather a unique eight! But he the world, all with a background in direction to take. did go on to win the NSW Scholar’s science, to the Antarctic Peninsula. heart, Chloe Flutter (New South The 20-day journey was designed The complex and intertwined Wales & Hertford, 1999), whom he as a transformational experience in problems of population growth, went on to marry. leadership development, science and overconsumption, pollution, strategy. Over 10 years Homeward ecosystem destruction, disease, One of the most important Bound plans to take 1000 women to extinction and of course climate things that I have had reinforced the frozen continent and to generate change that our world currently faces through the Rhodes, is the value a global network of women who can require more than novel scientific of persistence and striving for support each other and effect change. solutions. They require collaborative excellence. Regular catch-ups with leadership, diverse thinking, and my Oxford friends, as well as reading So how does Homeward Bound creative approaches. Homeward Rhodes communications, is always relate to my experience as a Rhodes Bound is part of a wave of emerging inspiring, hearing about the major Scholar? My Rhodes experience was initiatives to help level the playing impacts they are having in their a mixed one. Many doors opened for field for women and to facilitate fields and communities. me both during my time in Oxford, increased diversity in leadership. and later as a direct result of the Against the backdrop of Antarctica, Scholarship. I was a member of the study of which provides critical the Expeditions Club, and I spent insights into global-scale change a significant portion of my two and its drivers, Homeward Bound years as a Rhodes Scholar working is intended to elevate a broader in Indonesia conducting coral reef societal conversation about the role research. But when I was in Oxford of women in leadership for a more I felt very out of place; like I just sustainable future. didn’t ‘fit’. I think I would have really benefited from having a mentor and some female role models in what was, in 2003, still a male-dominated environment at senior levels.
RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN 30 HARRIET GEE (Australia-at-Large & Magdalen, 2006)
Pastoral care was done with a the most life-changing aspect of deft touch at Rhodes House. After the Scholarship, and together with a relationship breakup in gloomy our ‘village’ of supporters we are Hilary term, the then Warden’s bringing up our daughter Margaret partner Mary-Louise took me (now two). The Rhodes Scholarship, to hear Alfred Brendel at the and the years at Oxford, provided Sheldonian for one of his last ever space to think and dream about performances. An unforgettable what an intentional life might look memory! The Warden, Sir Colin like, before getting caught up in the Lucas, told us that we “would know messy, imperfect business of living it. when we were called to serve”, a quiet moment when we would know how to make a difference in our communities. Inspiration for the stressful and sometimes thankless work of a radiation oncology trainee in the Australian public health system – comforting patients, teaching students, and undertaking research to improve the lives of future generations. Although Rhodes Scholars by no means have a monopoly on leadership, the label gave me the confidence to push for key arrangements in my professional life, such as being the first woman to job-share across my training network in radiation oncology, and among the first handful to job- share to final specialisation exams across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. Training I received at Oxford aimed at decreasing the gender imbalances at the higher levels of academic tenure taught me practical skills to assist with the challenges that I face as a woman in an academic medical career. Meeting my husband, Eric Knight, (Australia-at-Large & Magdalen, 2007) a fellow Rhodes Scholar, was
31 RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN AMY KING (Australia-at-Large & Trinity, 2007)
the most life-changing aspect of In Michaelmas 2009, Jessica Hanzlik addressed the intersection between the Scholarship, and together with (Ohio & St John’s, 2008), Akosua gender, religion and politics; and our ‘village’ of supporters we are Matthews (Manitoba & Green Angela Cummine (Australia-at- bringing up our daughter Margaret Templeton, 2008) and I began Large & New College, 2007) who (now two). The Rhodes Scholarship, emailing each other about a peculiar spoke on the thorny subject of and the years at Oxford, provided feature of our Rhodes cohort. We political spouses, sexual infidelity and space to think and dream about had realized that while many of our feminism. We were also thrilled to what an intentional life might look male Rhodes colleagues were quick host Anne-Marie Slaughter, Director like, before getting caught up in the to assert their political ambitions, of Policy Planning in the US State messy, imperfect business of living it. our female colleagues seemed far Department, when she presented more hesitant to do so. Did Rhodes the first iteration of her now famous women have political aspirations? Atlantic article, “Why Women Still Why might they not be talking about Can’t Have It All.” And, motivated by those aspirations publicly? And what the goal of putting practical skills resources could we put in place now in place, we ran a series of training to help make those aspirations a sessions on public speaking, reality later? These initial emails and op-ed writing, financial literacy, questions became the inspiration and networking. When I look back for a series of forums and training at my time in Oxford, it is this sessions, held at Rhodes House experience of working alongside such between 2009 and 2011, around an intelligent, motivated and feisty the theme of Women and Politics, group of Rhodes women (and men!) broadly defined. One of the most that stands out as a real highlight. stimulating aspects of these forums We shared an intense commitment was drawing on the insights of other to breaking down the gender gap in Rhodes women doing research political and public life – a challenge and work in this area, including that, in 2017, seems more relevant Nanjala Nyabola (Kenya & Harris than ever. Manchester, 2009) and Nina Hall (New Zealand & St Antony’s, 2009) who spoke on conflict and gender equality in developing countries; Ishanaa Rambachan (Minnesota & St Antony’s, 2008) and Amy King (Australia-at-Large & Trinity, 2007) who discussed how gender had affected election outcomes in Australia and the United States; Anna Kloeden (Queensland & Magdalen, 2008) and Joanna Howe (New South Wales & St John’s, 2008) who
RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN 32 ANGELA CUMMINE (Australia-at-Large & New College, 2007)
I came up to Oxford in 2007, 30 any type of equality requires constant years after the Rhodes Scholarship coalition-building and vigilance. welcomed its first 24 female scholars. While delighted that my election Second, young women today are too year coincided with a gender worried about how they will ‘do it all’. equality milestone for Oxford and They end up prematurely removing the Scholarship, the infancy of this themselves from fields of study or anniversary sat awkwardly within the industries where this dilemma appears centuries old university. So too did the acute, capping their professional overlapping celebrations in 2009 of and financial potential unnecessarily. New College, my Oxford home, of its Senior women at both events implored 600-year foundation alongside its 30- my generation to maintain their year anniversary since first admitting ambition and not blunt their potential women students. because of perceived obstacles that may disappear over time or be These facts were motivating. My surmountable once confronted. presence in these communities now, was unremarkable; only 30 years Finally, constant reflection and network- earlier, it would have been impossible. building, such as this publication and the 40-year anniversary celebrations, The Rhodes community offered an are essential. Without awareness of the antidote to this harsh realization. An battles past in our own communities, we energetic group of Scholars used cannot properly identify the priorities for the 30-year milestone to organize a action tomorrow. celebratory event and commemorative publication, which gathered the These insights still resonate. The 40- insights of current and former women year anniversary of women Scholars Scholars on gender equality obstacles, comes at a time of new threats to progress and priorities. It was a and opportunities for gender equality. fantastic early exposure to how rapidly The world just witnessed the millions- and effectively the energy of Scholars strong global Women’s March, the could be deployed to build a network largest public manifestation of feminist of passionate, collaborative reformers. activism since the 1960s. The US, whose rights-oriented culture helped Inspired, I arranged a similar event at force changes in the UK that led to the New College for its 30-year anniversary inclusion of women Rhodes Scholars in of women students. Three insights the 1970s, now risks becoming a source recurred across the Rhodes and New of regressive attacks on women’s rights. College events. Our global network must be leveraged to help safeguard hard-won liberties First, progressive reforms are the result and equalities increasingly under threat of perseverance and opportunism. in many Rhodes constituencies. You will find surprising opponents and allies. Securing and preserving
33 RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN KATE BRENNAN (New South Wales & Magdalen, 2007)
any type of equality requires constant While in Oxford, about to start intellectually challenging questions. coalition-building and vigilance. the second year of my MPhil in The result was that, in the privacy of Development Studies, and before Oxford, when we women voiced our Second, young women today are too I began my DPhil in Politics, I views and expected this of each other worried about how they will ‘do it all’. remember reading another’s it was so new, and so different, that They end up prematurely removing reflection on their time in Oxford. I didn’t even recognise it as foreign. I themselves from fields of study or They spoke of their deep appreciation just relished it as good. industries where this dilemma appears for the ‘sacrosanct’ privacy in Oxford acute, capping their professional afforded by the ‘perpetual fog and It has only been since leaving Oxford, and financial potential unnecessarily. rain.’ It struck a chord with me. where I find it rare, no matter which Senior women at both events implored circles I’m in, for women to share my generation to maintain their Oxford provided the place, the their opinions, discuss abstract ideas, ambition and not blunt their potential intensity of community, and the sense and ask other women their views on because of perceived obstacles of shared time and purpose to learn important contemporary issues, that that may disappear over time or be how to explore life that lay ahead, I can see what we were privileged to surmountable once confronted. and the things that transcend. experience as possible in Oxford.
Finally, constant reflection and network- Having lived subsequently in New I drew on that experience when I had building, such as this publication and York, Canberra, and now back the opportunity to serve Australia’s the 40-year anniversary celebrations, home in Sydney, I’ve often reflected first female Prime Minister as an are essential. Without awareness of the on the conditions that made that Advisor. And I draw upon it now battles past in our own communities, we possible. Like, what effect does it as CEO of a 125-year old Christian cannot properly identify the priorities for have on young people to simply women’s foundation, tackling the action tomorrow. have everyday life reduced down to diminishment of women. the area of a circle in which you can These insights still resonate. The 40- cycle a shoddy third-hand bike on year anniversary of women Scholars cobblestones, in the rain? And many comes at a time of new threats to other possible ways to account for it. and opportunities for gender equality. The world just witnessed the millions- For all the mystery that lies in what strong global Women’s March, the makes the place and scholarly largest public manifestation of feminist experience special, those experiences activism since the 1960s. The US, of sharing food and conversation, whose rights-oriented culture helped long after daylight had gone, gave force changes in the UK that led to the me opportunities to hear, time after inclusion of women Rhodes Scholars in time, women voice their opinion and the 1970s, now risks becoming a source own them wholeheartedly. At the of regressive attacks on women’s rights. time, I didn’t quite know how special Our global network must be leveraged that was – I had been so used to to help safeguard hard-won liberties even very smart female friends in and equalities increasingly under threat Australia holding back their views, in many Rhodes constituencies. and definitely not asking one another
RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN 34 KATE ROBSON (Australia-at-Large & Christ Church, 2008)
It’s 10pm in Radcliffe Square. A century physicians’ papers. Searching bicycle swishes past, and Christmas for threads that we might take tree lights twinkle behind the wrought up as we navigate monoclonal iron gates of Old Schools quad. Six antibodies and funding cuts. That years on from my time as a Rhodes might reach our two newly assigned Scholar, I’ve boomeranged back here medical students, who tell us, in the from Melbourne. Now a nephrologist, noisy humid NHS cafeteria, they’re I’m working in the Oxford Kidney contemplating internships in banking. and Transplant Unit. My toes are Because who’d do this? Here? still tingling after the cold downhill walk from the Churchill Hospital. I Becoming a Rhodes Scholar granted rub them over the familiar contour me invaluable time and space to of the oversized cobbles, thinking reflect on which words and actions about the people in the hospital. The might fortify these moments, before young dad with kidney failure who’s a pager bleep takes us elsewhere, had a transplant today, the room reactive and distracted. Sometimes I already decorated with his toddler’s find them in time. Sometimes, much drawings. The retired publican with later, during string quartet practice, or one leg, who regularly saluted me in conversation with one of the great from his wheelchair on the way to friends I’ve met in this remarkable dialysis, and decided last week the place. For now, I’m letting the quiet burden of his illness and treatment determination of the books ten feet had become too great. He’s dying beneath my toes drown out the tonight in room 7, his big family bleeping pager, making way for what spilling out into the corridor with needs to be said tonight in room 7, music and memories and questions. or tomorrow in the cafeteria, or next And the junior doctor doing his first year in a Melbourne dialysis unit. nephrology shift tonight, double- checking prescriptions with me as we walk among the beeping dialysis machines listening to people’s stories. ‘How did you know that lady’s got a parrot at home?’ he asks, and then, grinning, ‘Yeah, this job’s going to be something else’. We make tea, talking about where to find the people amid the pills and the paperwork. And then we get on with the paperwork.
Glancing up at the Bodleian’s high windows, I recall the gritty feel of incising uncut pages of eighteenth-
35 RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN ANTHEA LINDQUIST (Victoria & Green Templeton, 2009)
century physicians’ papers. Searching Shortly after I was awarded the and found friendships like I’d never for threads that we might take Rhodes Scholarship I was at Monash experienced before. Happily, I am still up as we navigate monoclonal Medical awards evening and one of in close contact with many of these antibodies and funding cuts. That the older Professors came up to speak women and am constantly inspired might reach our two newly assigned to me about the Rhodes, I couldn’t by their work, their writing and their medical students, who tell us, in the really say he came up to congratulate passionate advocacy for a range of noisy humid NHS cafeteria, they’re me. He was intrigued that I was in fact causes. During my time in Oxford, I contemplating internships in banking. eligible for the Rhodes Scholarship as was one of six Rhodes women, from Because who’d do this? Here? a woman, and he was keen to know in different parts of the world, study what sport I had received ‘University disciplines and year groups who Becoming a Rhodes Scholar granted Blues’. As he walked away, I wondered swam the English Channel as a relay me invaluable time and space to if I had applied to enter the right team for charity. We trained in the reflect on which words and actions ‘club’? Would I enjoy Oxford and more Iffley pool, acclimatised to freezing might fortify these moments, before importantly, would I find my place cold water with weekend lake swims a pager bleep takes us elsewhere, within the Rhodes community? in the Cotswolds and raised funds reactive and distracted. Sometimes I together for the Acid Survivors find them in time. Sometimes, much I did indeed find my place, and I am Foundation in Pakistan, with whom later, during string quartet practice, or thrilled to now be able to say that one of our other Aussie members, in conversation with one of the great my Oxford and Rhodes experience Natasha Simonsen, had worked some friends I’ve met in this remarkable was truly extraordinary – progressive, years before. Ultimately we raised place. For now, I’m letting the quiet inclusive, inspiring and life-changing. over 15,000GBP and successfully determination of the books ten feet I met exceptional young and not- swum the Channel in freezing beneath my toes drown out the so-young people who were doing conditions – what a way to solidify bleeping pager, making way for what incredible things with their lives friendships! This experience seemed needs to be said tonight in room 7, and who cared so much about the perfect embodiment of Rhodes or tomorrow in the cafeteria, or next their impact on the world and on women – tenacious, motivated, year in a Melbourne dialysis unit. humanity. From the moment I walked united and able to have a laugh! into Rhodes House I felt a sense of belonging, not least because of the The people I met and the experiences warm and witty welcome bestowed I have had as a Rhodes Scholar – upon all visitors by the Rhodes House both in Oxford and closer to home in staff. At Rhodes House I found myself Australia – have influenced my career amongst a peer group that was and my life in myriad ways. Amidst diverse, enthusiastic, kind, quirky, busy days at work I frequently find bright and so full of potential – that in myself thinking back to my time in itself was a life-changing experience, Oxford and sometimes I can hardly and watching what these peers are believe it really happened. What an doing now continues to bring me exceptional privilege it was and is much excitement and inspiration. being part of this special community.
I felt a real sense of camaraderie amongst Rhodes women especially,
RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN 36 BRITTANY MORREALE (California & St Antony’s, 2010)
Each day the crisp air of the Rocky had become a convenient shield Mountains cuts through the ranks against personal reflection. But here, of Air Force cadets spread across the mystical libraries and sprawling the marble terrazzo and organized meadows painted the city in a brush by height, from tallest to shortest, in of fantasy. The dreaming spires tapered blue rows. The steady beat stirred both awe and fright. And of drums sets everyone into motion, somewhere in a poorly heated row a display of youth and fervour that house, we huddled around fresh only a military academy can muster. baked breads and cheap wine and As the squadrons round the corner, prophesized about life and love to the first women come into view at whimsical mismatched chords. The the back of the formation. Despite short winter days finally yielded to our slight frames, our shoulders summer, when hours of study fell are defiant, our fists clenched, hair away in favour of adventures across pulled back, and expressions stony Europe and Africa. and determined. The strict rigour of military life Our expressions mirrored the slowly yielded to a celebration of pioneering women of 1976, the first youth, womanhood and humanity. class of women admitted to the The ideals of integrity, service, and Air Force Academy. As a female excellence transcended the military cadet, that date was burned in my mantra and became personal memory alongside aircraft weapon aspirations. Most importantly, the payloads and pithy leadership scrutiny of standards was replaced quotes. It was easy to overlook the by the scrutiny of a purposeful life. small signs of struggle that still The Rhodes community gave me continued. As cadets, we strived to the freedom to chart a unique path be ‘one of the boys,’ carefully hiding in the military built around bridging any signs of weakness that might be the gaps between diverse nations attributed to our womanhood. In a and people through collaboration world of standards and uniformity, in science, development, and diversity signified non-conformity. sustainability. We cautiously cheered the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and voiced our It seems like fate that in 1976, the discontent for unequal gender roles same year the first women marched in military professions. through the gates of the Air Force Academy, the first women were The Rhodes mission of “fighting the elected as Rhodes Scholars. I am world’s fight” spoke to my airman proud to be among the ranks of spirit, but upon arriving in Oxford in those who boldly carry on. 2010, I felt tentative about this new world. The hard lines, strict rules, and bold idealism of the Academy
37 RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN JESSICA PANEGYRES (Australia-at-Large & Keble, 2010)
had become a convenient shield 41 years ago, a person was not eligible our degraded bushland and forests against personal reflection. But here, for a Rhodes Scholarship if they while doing our fair share to tackle the mystical libraries and sprawling were a woman. I owe the privilege climate change. The odd academic meadows painted the city in a brush of being a female Rhodes Scholar publication and guest lecture keeps of fantasy. The dreaming spires to the generations of brave women, me in touch with the academic stirred both awe and fright. And sung and unsung, who fought for community, as the Rhodes left me somewhere in a poorly heated row equality. With this privilege comes a with an enduring commitment to house, we huddled around fresh responsibility to fight for the equal building bridges between intellectual baked breads and cheap wine and rights of others. This includes future theory and practice. prophesized about life and love to generations who, if we don’t change whimsical mismatched chords. The our current trajectory, will inherit a I am grateful for the deep friendships short winter days finally yielded to vastly degraded planet. It includes that grew from the Rhodes. For summer, when hours of study fell those who today bear the brunt example, six years after first meeting away in favour of adventures across of environmental pollution and at Rhodes House, I’ve just spent a few Europe and Africa. degradation. weeks with Canadian Rhodes Scholar Rosanna Nicol (Maritimes & Wolfson, The strict rigour of military life My Oxford research on 2010) writing and recording new slowly yielded to a celebration of intergenerational rights in natural music for our band, Nicol & Wells. I’m youth, womanhood and humanity. resources was notable for what I did constantly inspired by the incredible The ideals of integrity, service, and not find. I found no justification in people I’ve met through the Rhodes excellence transcended the military the Western philosophical tradition who are taking on the world’s fight, mantra and became personal for the few destroying the common from standing up for the rights of aspirations. Most importantly, the inheritance of the many. The Rhodes refugees, to developing new forms of scrutiny of standards was replaced imperative to “fight the world’s fight” renewable energy. Being part of this by the scrutiny of a purposeful life. led to me joining the movement for a community is an ongoing privilege. The Rhodes community gave me safe climate and environment. In 41 years I hope to look back on our the freedom to chart a unique path cohort as part of the generation that in the military built around bridging After Oxford, I worked for Greenpeace, turned the tide and secured peoples’ the gaps between diverse nations then led by South African Rhodes rights to a healthy planet. and people through collaboration Scholar Kumi Naidoo (South Africa- in science, development, and at-Large & Magdalen, 1987). I sustainability. worked globally as a campaigner for a safe climate and sustainable It seems like fate that in 1976, the environment. From town hall meetings same year the first women marched to addressing the United Nations, it is through the gates of the Air Force a real privilege, every day, to be part Academy, the first women were of the inspiring movement of people elected as Rhodes Scholars. I am around the world striving to create a proud to be among the ranks of fair and healthy planet. those who boldly carry on. In my current role at the Wilderness Society, I am focusing on how Australia can restore and protect
RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN 38 RACHEL PATERSON (Western Australia & St Edmund Hall, 2012)
As we celebrate 40 years of female Alexis Brown (Wisconsin & New Rhodes Scholars, it is timely to College, 2012), as well as Liz Murray reflect on how the Scholarship, and (Tasmania & New College, 2011), the opportunities that come along Eleanor Bath (New South Wales & with it, have changed since the St John’s, 2012), Brianna Doherty first Rhodes Scholars came up. Not (California & New College, 2012), only was the Scholarship originally Rachel Paterson (Western Australia exclusively open to men, but those & St Edmund Hall, 2012), Mandy with “fondness of and success in Rojek (Queensland & University, manly outdoor sports”. 2012), Nina Weaver (partner of Cory Rodgers (Pennsylvania & Keble, My sport of choice, Australian Rules 2012)), Katharine Noonan (Australia- Football, has been widely regarded at-Large & St John’s, 2013), Katie as a ‘manly’ sport since it became Stone (partner of Benn Hunn popular in the late 19th century. (Tasmania & St Peter’s, 2013)), Helen I disagree with this perception. Baxendale (Australia-at-Large Unbeknownst to most, women & Hertford, 2014), Freya Shearer actually started playing Aussie Rules (Western Australia & St John’s, in the early 20th century, with the 2014), Sarah Burns (Maritimes & first recorded women’s game being Oriel, 2016), and Emilie McDonnell played in WA in 1915. Since then, (Tasmania & University, 2016). female footy has slowly but surely developed across the country, and We have played several games as of 2017, all young girls and boys against Birmingham Uni and can aspire to be professional footy various London teams, who players, regardless of their sex. launched a London women’s league in 2015. In Hillary 2017 we My love for our great game began will fly to Cork for the Fitzpatrick from the moment I started playing Cup, named after former AFL in high school and was strengthened Chairman Mike Fitzpatrick throughout my undergraduate (Western Australia & St John’s, degree. So, naturally, when I came 1975). Unfortunately, Cambridge up in 2012, one of my greatest are yet to provide an opposition, desires was to start an Oxford but until they do, we will be women’s footy team. I’m delighted preparing ourselves for the day that this team now exists, in no that we lace up our boots to play small part because of the immense for the first ever women’s varsity enthusiasm of many of my fellow cup. female Rhodes Scholars. Photo credit: UWA The team has already included 13 Rhodes Scholars and partners, including our current co-captain,
39 RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN ALYSSA FITZPATRICK (South Australia & Magdalen, 2013)
Alexis Brown (Wisconsin & New Since my return from the Rhodes confront in my day-to-day job in College, 2012), as well as Liz Murray journey just four months ago, I the hospital. It was a precious two (Tasmania & New College, 2011), have been frequently met with the years in which I was asked to think Eleanor Bath (New South Wales & question ‘How was it?’. Other than purposely and deeply about the St John’s, 2012), Brianna Doherty simply replying positively, I have people and the world around me. (California & New College, 2012), struggled to adequately convey how It was a period in which I had the Rachel Paterson (Western Australia meaningful, how challenging, and freedom to explore myself, and & St Edmund Hall, 2012), Mandy how inspiring the experience was develop new interests and new ways Rojek (Queensland & University, for me. Perhaps in many ways, the of thinking. It was an experience 2012), Nina Weaver (partner of Cory memories are still distilling into a in which previously abstract ideas Rodgers (Pennsylvania & Keble, succinct summation of events. It is became tangible pathways and 2012)), Katharine Noonan (Australia- clear, however, that the times I felt opportunities. at-Large & St John’s, 2013), Katie most inspired were in the company Stone (partner of Benn Hunn of other Scholars, notably the Rhodes Perhaps it is difficult for me to (Tasmania & St Peter’s, 2013)), Helen women. It is therefore fitting that synthesise my Rhodes experience Baxendale (Australia-at-Large the first reflection I write following because the conversations were & Hertford, 2014), Freya Shearer my return is for the celebration of 40 more than a dialogue to be related. (Western Australia & St John’s, years of Rhodes women. In many ways, I became a part of 2014), Sarah Burns (Maritimes & them, and they became a part of Oriel, 2016), and Emilie McDonnell Among the Rhodes women, I was me. I am unable to divorce myself (Tasmania & University, 2016). challenged to consider questions from conversations that have shaped from different frameworks and who I am today, and therefore must We have played several games perspectives, and to contextualise simply be grateful to all of the people against Birmingham Uni and my own experiences within a much who made them possible. various London teams, who broader backdrop. I was given launched a London women’s language to articulate societal league in 2015. In Hillary 2017 we problems about which I had felt will fly to Cork for the Fitzpatrick vaguely uneasy, but did not have the Cup, named after former AFL words to capture. Among the Rhodes Chairman Mike Fitzpatrick women, I found the support to be (Western Australia & St John’s, unapologetically and authentically 1975). Unfortunately, Cambridge myself, and the means to support are yet to provide an opposition, others to be themselves. but until they do, we will be preparing ourselves for the day Undoubtedly, it was such that we lace up our boots to play conversations which defined my for the first ever women’s varsity experience within the Rhodes cup. community. I valued the many conversations in which my instincts Photo credit: UWA and assumptions were questioned, when I was forced to think deeply about issues which I did not routinely
RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN 40 KATHARINE NOONAN (Australia-at-Large & St John’s, 2013)
During particularly self-reflective back to activities I had neglected days in Oxford, conversations with during years of work and medical fellow Rhodes Scholars would school. The Rhodes experience occasionally shift to more existential forced me to really reflect on my topics: what are we doing with passions and assess my priorities, our lives, have we made the right with the additional luxury of time choices, do we deserve to be here (a and the absence of many ‘real life’ classic), am I making the most of this pressures. I recently decided to opportunity? The list goes painfully pursue a somewhat less certain on. We generally agreed that most career in public health, for the time of us would live our lives several being at least. (Having said that, a times over if we could, just to see recent mentoring session at Rhodes where that early passion might have House revealed that I am not the led, or to take a risk that seemed first Australian female doctor to do too dangerous at the time. In some this – I’m not remotely original!) ways, the Rhodes Scholarship has allowed me to do this - I’ve been I don’t know if any of this means I able to slow down enough to look have made the absolute most out at the paths available to me, and of the Scholarship, and I certainly to press pause on what could wouldn’t presume that I will bring have easily been a trajectory on about great change in the world. autopilot. I feel lucky to have been However, I can confidently say that afforded such an opportunity, the Rhodes has changed me – knowing that my experience in hopefully for the better – and it has Oxford, and particularly with definitely shaken things up a little. the Rhodes community, has very much shaped who I am and what I want to achieve. To be fair, the process wasn’t always the easiest. After being certain of what I was ‘all about’ when I arrived, Oxford messed with my head and dismantled the perfectly formed constructs. Spending so much time among talented, inspiring individuals from a range of backgrounds, moreover being fortunate enough to call these people my friends, has guided both my professional aspirations and my personal outlook. In Oxford, I tried things I never imagined I would, as well as going
41 RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN FREYA SHEARER (Western Australia & St John’s, 2014)
back to activities I had neglected For me, the Rhodes Scholarship global and public health generally, during years of work and medical has meant the opportunity to live I have also greatly appreciated school. The Rhodes experience and study overseas alongside an the opportunity to learn from forced me to really reflect on my incredible group of people whom I those based in a range of other passions and assess my priorities, now call friends and mentors. fields. The Rhodes community, with the additional luxury of time including the other Scholars and and the absence of many ‘real life’ Completing a DPhil was never on my their partners, have enriched my pressures. I recently decided to radar until I came across a project life, with their different experiences pursue a somewhat less certain in disease modelling that piqued of Oxford and lives prior to Oxford. career in public health, for the time my interest in the midst of applying Their perspectives have powerfully being at least. (Having said that, a for the MSc in Global Health challenged me to think about recent mentoring session at Rhodes Science. I am so grateful that I was important issues in new ways, House revealed that I am not the encouraged to change my plans especially gender, race and privilege. first Australian female doctor to do and dive into an area of science in In particular, female friends, this – I’m not remotely original!) which I had no training. I have loved colleagues and mentors whom I the technical elements of my DPhil have met along the way – right I don’t know if any of this means I project that I expected to find most from the beginning of the selection have made the absolute most out difficult and frustrating – and I will process to the final year of my of the Scholarship, and I certainly finish the degree with a host of skills studies at Oxford – have inspired wouldn’t presume that I will bring I never imagined I would pursue or me to trust that my knowledge and about great change in the world. master. The process so far has been abilities are ample for the roles and However, I can confidently say that incredibly rewarding and worthwhile, opportunities awarded to me. the Rhodes has changed me – but not without challenges and hopefully for the better – and it has setbacks, including my supervisor Nearing the conclusion of my time definitely shaken things up a little. relocating to the US during my first at Oxford, I appreciate that the year and, of course, adjusting to the Rhodes experience will not end with sun setting at 3:30pm in the winter! graduation. I know that I will draw on the connections I have built Lately, as I approach the end of with people throughout the Rhodes my third and final year, I have been experience for the rest of my life. considering where in the world I would like to focus my life’s work. Travelling and living away from Australia has allowed me to reflect on home, family and belonging. I have been able to view Australia with new perspective, and realised that it is where I most want to return to pursue my career.
Whilst my research group and Rhodes House have enabled me to connect with peers and leaders in
RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN 42 EMILIE MCDONNELL (Tasmania & University, 2016)
It is safe to say that being awarded your days and nights attending the Rhodes Scholarship has events, talking to people with very changed my life trajectory. I never different experiences from yourself, envisioned that after finishing school expanding your knowledge, and or my undergraduate degrees in challenging the way you think Hobart, Tasmania that I would be about the world. For me this has studying at the University of Oxford, occurred in relation to the issues surrounded by like-minded women facing women. Never before have and men and having countless I been in an environment where opportunities presented to me to I have the chance to hear the take advantage of. perspectives of women from all over the world and share our stories of I moved to Oxford in September what issues we face as a group, and 2016 to start the Bachelor of Civil issues that other women face that Law. While the start of my time at some of us don’t. Exploring how Oxford and my first day at the Law women can fulfil their full potential Faculty was of course daunting, in Oxford, academia, classroom not feeling quite sure if I belonged discussions and many different at such a prestigious university, the spaces has been a highlight of my transition was not as difficult as I time at Oxford so far. imagined. The support, best wishes and words of advice I received leading up to my move and in my first few weeks after arrival was invaluable. This included Rhodes House, current and former Oxford students and Scholars, those who ran an orientation day for us in Australia, key members of the University of Tasmania and past Tasmanian Scholars who attended my farewell dinner in Hobart. I will never forget the enthusiasm that saw so many people take an interest in seeing the new group of Rhodes Scholars succeed.
The opportunities at Oxford to develop as a person and learn about new and exciting areas from inspiring people, young and old, are limitless. You could spend
43 RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN ILONA QUAHE (Australia-at-Large & Green Templeton, 2016)
your days and nights attending Arriving in Oxford four months ago felt which you’re currently travelling, even events, talking to people with very surreal. For so long, starting here had if you know it will take more time to different experiences from yourself, been something very far in the future, decide on your ultimate destination. expanding your knowledge, and and then suddenly it arrived. Walking challenging the way you think into Rhodes House for the first time, The bigger picture can be easy to about the world. For me this has I saw a part of the world with so forget, but is highlighted whenever I occurred in relation to the issues much privilege and history. The grand speak to people outside the Oxford facing women. Never before have rotunda, elegant dining hall and bubble. Such conversations remind me I been in an environment where beautiful gardens were very different that so many people aspire to study I have the chance to hear the from the places where I was used to here, or wish that they could. That perspectives of women from all over spending my time. It was strange to be I’m exceptionally lucky to be in an the world and share our stories of told, “this is your home while you’re at environment where I am learning so what issues we face as a group, and Oxford”. much, and having experiences I may issues that other women face that well look back on as life-changing. some of us don’t. Exploring how I was surprised by how quickly the Ultimately, I am very grateful for this women can fulfil their full potential charm of Oxford became part of opportunity and determined to do in Oxford, academia, classroom my everyday. Oxford has been something useful with it. I continue to discussions and many different delightful, exciting, overwhelming, be inspired by my fellow Scholars and spaces has been a highlight of my surprising, eye-opening, challenging their commitment to do the same. time at Oxford so far. and inspiring. The sports, volunteer roles, societies, talks and events on offer are more endless than I had anticipated. Never before have I had to so consciously choose what I spend my time on. Being forced to choose has prompted me to reflect on what is most important to me right now, something I hope to continue to do throughout my life.
It is interesting that so many Scholars, including me, use this experience as a chance to explore or reset in some way. When I applied for the Scholarship, I thought I had quite a clear idea of what I wanted to get out of Oxford. I’ve since discovered that perhaps the most valuable thing about Oxford is the chance to do things you haven’t previously done or considered. It’s a great privilege to be able to stop and adjust the path down
RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA | FORTY YEARS OF RHODES WOMEN 44
AUSTRALIAN REFLECTIONS