Meet Old Collegian, Julia Green (2014)
Julia joined Clarendon as a boarder in Year 10, moving from her family’s 500-acre dairy farm in South Gippsland. An eventer, she spent much of her time outdoors training, riding and exploring the farm. Her transition into the boarding community was a significant change from life at home, but she recalls the friendships, challenges and lessons she gained as pivotal to who she has become and where she is today.
Julia loved sport and immersed herself in as many activities as possible. She was a member of the basketball, football and netball teams and enjoyed the camaraderie of weekly training sessions and matches. Her uncle, David Parker, who was Head of Senior School at the time, also played an instrumental role in helping her settle into the Clarendon community.
“Boarding taught me independence, resilience, friendship, joy and how to look out for and rely on others,” said Julia. “We learned so much together, often figuring things out as we went along, including washing our sheets for the first time. Boarding gave me lifelong friendships, confidence and a sense of independence that has continued to shape who I am and how I approach life today.”
Julia’s pathway since Clarendon has been varied, although her love of sport has remained a constant. She began a Bachelor of Exercise Science at La Trobe University before completing her studies at RMIT, graduating with a degree in Applied Science (Exercise and Sport Science). During her studies, she worked with Victorian Amateur Football Association clubs before moving into exercise science with Kieser, gaining valuable experience working with pre- and post-operative patients and specialised injuries.
These roles highlighted the impact of education and mentorship, inspiring Julia to complete a Masters degree at Monash University. Today, she works at Cairo American College in Egypt, where she combines her professional interests with her love of travel. Recently, she has visited Paris and London on sporting trips and attended professional development opportunities in Kenya.
“I knew that leaving Australia would be challenging, but I also saw it as an opportunity to extend myself and explore a different area of my career,” said Julia. “Looking back, I see how those early experiences prepared me for moving to the other side of the world and learning to live and work independently in the Middle East. It taught me that being away from home is not something to fear, but an opportunity to grow and experience something new.”
Reflecting on her own journey, Julia encourages current students to embrace uncertainty and approach the next stage of their lives with curiosity.
“Don’t wait until you feel completely ready,” said Julia. “Take the first step, trust yourself and embrace the journey. Remember that this way of life does not need to be permanent. You can go away, experience a different culture and take in all the learning and growth, knowing that one day you can return home with a whole new world of knowledge and perspectives.”