When I finished school I wanted to be a journalist, but after studying it, I wasn’t so sure. Eventually, I found my way to law, after attending an inspiring talk at Melbourne Law School on Australia’s treatment of refugees. I loved studying law, and went on to practise as a commercial litigator for several years.

Then, when I was 33, I realised I was unhappy. I was working long hours, constantly stressed, and didn’t believe in the work I was doing. I wanted to use my skills in a way that felt more meaningful and could make a positive difference, however small. So, I decided to move into the area that had inspired me most at law school: international human rights law.

That decision led me to Jordan, where I interned for the United Nations advocating for the rights of Palestinian refugees, then New York, where I completed a master’s degree in international human rights law at Columbia University. I then worked on the situation in Afghanistan at UN Headquarters in New York, before moving to Sierra Leone to take up my current job as a Human Rights Officer with a non-government organisation.

In Sierra Leone, my work involves putting pressure on the government to comply with its international human rights obligations, bringing legal cases to stand up for people whose rights have been abused, and monitoring the human rights situation in the country. It can be challenging to make progress in a context where poverty and corruption are endemic, but it is satisfying when you see your work have a positive impact. My favourite part of the job is the creativity it requires, and working with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Looking back, I’m grateful for the teachers at Ivanhoe Girls’ who broadened my perspective and encouraged me to think critically about the world around me, particularly Mr Hutchison, Mrs Shelley and Mrs O’Keefe. I was also lucky to make some wonderful friends who are still in my life today.

My advice to current students is not to worry if you haven't figured out what you want to do. There is plenty of time. Pursue things that spark your curiosity, have fun, make mistakes, and be open to opportunities. Try not to compare your journey with anyone else’s - it’s okay if your path looks different from those around you.

Ms Rachel Walters
Class of 2008