Feels like home

Prefect Molly Harris tells us about her boarding experience.

Words Molly Harris

WHEN I TAGGED ALONG with my parents and older brother to an open day, I had only recently learned that The Geelong College existed. Geelong had only ever been a town 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, aside from twentieth century children’s literature that painted 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 that day, but once we saw the girls’ house, I knew then and there that I wanted to go here, too.

I can remember conversations with my parents regarding 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 [Molly started in Year 8] 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 been what I hoped for and more. I have never regretted it for a second.

I think a lot these days about the unique nature of my highschool experience because of boarding. It 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 have here.

I’ve also forged friendships with people regardless of age and met and lived alongside my best friend. Living in Mossgiel [House] 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 my last year, I’m noticing and reflecting on these aspects of my life more often and 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 and to give back as much as possible. To me, the position as school prefect is a chance to connect more with the College community andto positively impact the culture of the school.

I think that some of the experiences I’ve had, and skills I’ve learned, in my time at Mossgiel have prepared me well to take on such a position and I can’t wait for it to become part of my boarding and high school experience.

Visit tgc.vic.edu.au for more information.