Graduates return to inspire next generation of women

Students and speakers at the Careers High Tea.

Year 12 students at Caroline Chisholm College had full hearts and full bellies after the annual Careers High Tea.

The school welcomed back six alumnae from the Classes of 2000-2022 to act as role models and mentors for the younger generation.

Partnerships and Pathways Coach at the Glenmore Park all-girls school Adam MacNamara said they're very fortunate to have a strong network of former students who are willing to come back and share their stories. 

"We call it the sisterhood," MacNamara said.

"Students from the past coming back to guide and mentor our current students who will then go on to pursue their own careers and pathways.

"I think there's a lovely synergy and connection there across the different graduates and generations."

The panelists included ABC News reporter Chantelle Al-Khouri, interior designer and business owner Blaire Marchand, exercise physiologist Isabella La Malfa, general manager of Clinique and Aveda Corinne Duffy, nurse Alana Blowers, and sales associate at Ray White Ava Musumeci.

Year 12 student Amy Jarukrut aspires to join the Australian Defence Force or go into psychology or criminology, and she said it was encouraging to hear from women who graduated before her even though they went down different career paths.

"Even though it didn't line up with my future, it allowed me to get some inspiration on how I should get there," Jarukrut said.

The student said her favourite speaker was Blacktown Hospital nurse Alana Blowers.

"I really enjoyed listening to her because I want to do something with psychology," Jarukrut explained.

"I feel like that was a really nice way to get to know what a nurse life would be like."

The idea of a high tea came about because the school wanted to create a fun and classy event that suited the students.

"Last year we did a breakfast and this year we thought we'd give it another little twist and call it a high tea," MacNamara said.