Feels like home

MOLLY HARRIS,YEAR 11 STUDENT, BOARDER AND 2023 COLLEGE PREFECT

When I tagged along with my parents and older brother to a College open day, I had only recently found out that The Geelong College existed, and Geelong had only ever been one of those towns we would drive past on the way to Melbourne from Warrnambool or vice versa.

I had no concept of what boarding school was or could look like outside of 20th century children’s literature that invariably seemed to paint it as somewhere for the troubled or orphaned. This is, of course, far from the truth. But back in 2017 when my parents mentioned over the dinner table that something my brother could consider was boarding school, I was taken aback. We only intended to see the boys’ boarding house on that first open day, but once we saw the girls’ house, I knew then and there that I wanted to go here too.

Then in Year 6, I figured that I would wait until I was in Year 9, but I ended up starting in Year 8. I can remember many conversations with my parents throughout Year 7 regarding the next year and what I would bring with me, who I would meet, and what living in Geelong would be like.

It was hard at first. I found it hard to navigate, to distinguish between who was also new and who wasn’t, and I was anxious to figure out the accepted way of doing things, to blend in.

Moving away from home and adjusting to a new community was always going to be hard but looking back I’m incredibly grateful and satisfied that my experience has lived up to be what I hoped for and more. The enjoyment and support I found at school and in Mossgiel meant I have never regretted it for a second. I think a lot these days about the unique nature of my high

school experience because of living in a boarding house. The proximity has allowed me to be widely involved with the school and its people, occupying myself with and loving everything from bands to debating. Easily distracted and prone to procrastination when at home, the phoneless study time and access to academic tutors has helped me get the most out of the learning opportunities I am afforded here. I’ve also forged friendships with people regardless of age and met and lived alongside my best friend. Living in Mossgiel has been defined by ‘Woolies’ runs, brushing teeth together, trying to sort out leave arrangements, looking forward to decorating my new room, my dad complaining about how many books I insist on bringing, conversations over dinner, Tuesday and Thursday morning eggs, staying up until we get ordered back to our own rooms, and much, much more. Now that I’m entering into my last year, I’m noticing and reflecting on these aspects of my life more often and am determined not to wish them away despite my excitement for the next phase of my life. I’m also excited about the opportunity to lead my school, to give back as much as possible. To me a position as school prefect, means a chance to connect more with the student body and College community and positively impact the culture of the school. I think that some of the experiences I’ve had and skills I’ve learnt in my time at Mossgiel have prepared me well to assume such a position and I can’t wait for it to become part of my boarding and high school experience.