Adrienne Day (1978)

How did Daramalan College influence your life?    

Daramalan gave me a first-class education, wonderful friendships and a grounding in great culture through the MSC spirituality.

What did you do after finishing Daramalan College and what are you doing now?

Since graduating from Daramalan College, I’ve had three careers and many, many random jobs in between from nannying, to waitressing, to banking. I’ve worked in Sydney, London, the South of France, New York, Geneva and Canberra.

My first career was in Nursing [I trained at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney]. I then went to university to study public relations/journalism. This led to my second career as a consultant working for international public relations companies in Sydney and Geneva. My third and current career is running my own communications consultancy in partnership with my husband.

What do you think is your biggest career achievement?    

There is no one single achievement that stands out. My career has been one that has built on itself. I’ve learned from both my successes and mistakes and by taking risks. I’ve used these life lessons to forge a career pathway that has helped me grow and develop broad skills set, taken me to many wonderful countries and led to me having the confidence to establish my own business.

What is the most important thing to you?    

One word … Family.

What is your advice for current students?    

There are three lessons that have helped guide my life since I graduated from Daramalan College.

Some current students, particularly those in years 11 and 12, will know exactly what they want to do in life and have plans locked in. Others may have a couple of options lined up or change their mind frequently. And some may have absolutely no idea at all. And all of that is ok. The journey of life is a marathon not a sprint.

Curiosity pushes us to uncertainty and the unknown and opens us up to experiences we never thought were possible. Chase opportunities and new experiences. Take risks and don’t despair if things don’t go quite according to plan. Making mistakes is how we learn and grow – I’m still making them! Day Adrienne

As an MSC school, we have been gifted a blueprint for great culture and leadership. Heart Spirituality calls us to be kind, understanding and forgiving; to be compassionate, gentle and humble. And to maintain a sense of humour even when all around is going pear-shaped. In a world where too often fear, anger and suspicion of the other dominate this is a wonderful and powerful antidote.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?   

It doesn’t exist. And if it did it would probably be only fleeting.

I prefer to treasure what I have around me and look to find pleasure and happiness in everyday life rather than spending time in pursuit of an unachievable, or at best transient, goal.

Which talent would you most like to have? 

I’m content with the imperfect me that I am.  Although it would be fun to be able to fly!