Alumni News 

Words of Wisdom from 1982 alumna, Helen Windsor-Ryley

I regularly receive emails from alumni, both recent graduates and those who graduated some time ago. The content and purpose of these emails vary: reaching out to me and the program, sharing what they have been up to since graduating, commenting on events that have taken place and, in this case, passing on words of wisdom whilst drawing on their own, personal experiences.

Here I will share the words of Helen Windsor-Ryley from the class of 1982. Helen’s words, and ultimately, her message, was shared with me across two emails which I have condensed below:

I read the article about Commissioner Bissett who will give a talk to Year 12 Legal Studies and VCAL students. As a former student, and now, too, fast approaching 60 years old, I really think far too much emphasis is on employment/status/position. Life is about finding a purpose in life and being happy. I know many graduates that have been hugely successful in terms of workplace position, but miserable in their lives. The purpose was missing. Since completing studies at MFGHS, I completed a Double Degree at Deakin University, then had various positions/careers and completed many other courses including a MBA at RMIT University. My various careers (1986 - 2011) have ranged from Public Practice accountant with a top tier Chartered Accounting firm, to Finance Manager, Commercial Manager, Tax Accountant and Business Development Manager.Most career positions paid me well. I have had a fortunate life and an abundance of opportunities. But right from the get-go my pursuit was 'happiness' and ‘purpose’; each individual will define these differently. My simple life now is on small acreage in Central Victoria, with a supportive and loving husband and horses and beef cattle. Surrounded by a rich and peaceful natural environment. For the last 10 years I have also been employed casually as a Community Support Worker. The support role involves assisting people to enable them to stay in their home for as long as possible, including domestic assistance (house cleaning, meal preparation), medication administration, shower assistance and social engagement activities. 

Clients come from all walks of life, and are seniors, or people with a disability, or those requiring post-acute care. Eventually the common denominator for most people, particularly when ageing, is a need for some kind of support. Sometimes the role involves palliative care, and it is during these moments that, invariably, clients share their most valued life stories - no mention of materialistic assets accumulated in life, but rather they recount relationships with family and friends.

My current 'off farm' paid casual position as a Community Support Worker is probably the most challenging position I have ever had, the worst paid, and without question, the most satisfying role I have had.

Being ambitious and finding a career that provides mental stimulation and an income is a means to an end. A career does not define the person. Find a purpose to wake up and get out of bed each day, and then find what happiness means to you - that is my simple message to students. 

Kind regards, Helen Windsor-Ryley

Photos:

The B&W photo shows me in MFGHS Uniform (I was a Form 6 Prefect). Standing very proud beside me is my mother, and my Auntie Dot beside her (both dearly loved, now deceased). My mother, Kath and her sister, Dorothy (Dot) were great women and mentors for me. Both were way ahead of their time. Not that I understood, nor appreciated that as a teenager. But now I understand they were female trailblazers. Both born in 1920s, Dot became a senior Nurse (Matron) at Ballarat Hospital and my mother a Hairdresser who opened her own successful salon in Highton in the 1970s. They came from humble beginnings - a sheep and cattle farm in Pigeon Ponds, a tiny town near Balmoral. But even more significant, they were hard-working, supportive, loving, kind, compassionate, generous, and fun women.

The more recent image of me is at my farm with my pet steer, Squirty (a much-loved gentle giant who died in 2014). 

If you are a past student from MFG and have not yet reached out, please get in touch by emailing the alumni program manager: alumni@mfgsc.vic.edu.au 

Alumni Program Manager