GLOBAL CHALLENGES at James Cook University, majoring in Hydrogeology. She spent six months on an exchange with the University of New Brunswick in Canada, undertaking fieldwork in temperatures of -20 to -30 degrees Celsius! She is effusive about her Clipper race experience so far: “A highlight, although there really have been many, would be every sunset and then the star gazing at night. Watching dolphins look like fluorescent torpedoes as they race around the boat at night in phosphorescent waters. Stunning moments.”
At the time of writing, Kate Pearse (09) was in the middle of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, although stranded temporarily on a boat off the small pontoon at Subic Bay due to Philippine quarantine restrictions. She says: “I’ve always enjoyed the prospect of a challenge; it lights me up! To sail across the Pacific on an ocean racing yacht, to experience the vastness of an ocean crossing and to push myself physically and mentally with the harsh conditions and relentless watch system, were the biggest draw for me.” Since leaving Churcher’s in 2007, Kate has travelled the world – first to a sheep and cattle station in Australia before completing her BSc in Geology in Melbourne. Then on to Indonesia to work for a budding NGO, ‘Ecosystem Impact’, where
her work was cut short due to contracting dengue fever. Despite an extended recovery period, she went on the row for the Sydney University women’s 8+, competing in Australia and New Zealand and to complete an MSc in Environmental Earth Sciences
She looks back fondly on her time at Churcher’s: “It offered my brothers and I an adventurous community to not only be inspired by, but be engaged with throughout our time at school. DofE, CCF participation and trips, not to mention the opportunity to participate in World Challenge adventures. The school’s commitment to offer these opportunities and enable students to experience adventure was probably a big component of my personal belief that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to.” Looking ahead, Kate explains: “I will go back to work as an exploration geologist but hope to look at a PhD and work opportunities within the sphere of geopolitical conflicts impacting natural resources and their management, with a focus on water. On top of that, I hope to apply for the ‘Homeward Bound’ project for females working in STEM, a leadership programme focussing on climate change. Fingers crossed!”
