Meet 2022 Andrew’s Scholar Jamie Podmore Taylor. Jamie (Fr 2022) is studying Arts at the University of Sydney, majoring in English and environmental studies.
Jamie is also an elite athlete and the recipient of a Sydney University Sports & Fitness general scholarship for netball. She has represented NSW in the U17 and U19 squads, has been identified by talent selectors for the U17 Australian squad and also achieved selection into the Giants Netball Academy as the youngest member. Last week Jamie was quoted as being ‘central to the success’ of the NSW U19 Netball squad’s recent wins at Nationals – read more here!
Born in Sydney, Jamie and her family moved to Albury Wodonga, to be closer to her grandparents while she was in primary school. Her family then moved back to Sydney in 2019 and Jamie graduated from St Catherine’s School in Waverley where she served as Head Girl.
We caught up with Jamie to find out more.
What made you choose St Andrew’s College?
I have always been interested in a college life and grew up hearing of my mum’s own college experiences in Melbourne. I investigated St Andrew’s purely by chance but fell in love with the culture. It struck me as an incredibly competitive and supportive environment that rewards loyalty and hard work as well as promotes generosity and friendship.
What have been the highlights of your time here so far?
I have loved everything about the College so far and my experiences have far exceeded any expectations of the life that I would lead here. The Rosebowl netball campaign has been my favourite activity to date. It was the first demonstration of the comradery and support that is championed at Drew’s and by far the most energetic and lively crowd I have ever played in front of.
What are you looking forward to this year – in which areas are you planning to become involved within College?
When I first started at the College I loved meeting all the incredibly talented and kind people both starting as freshers and continuing as sophs and heavies. I was looking forward to the chance to meet and get to know my peers and, now that I have, I am still keen to further my connections with these extraordinary people and learn from their unique talents and inspiring demeanours.
What does being a St Andrew’s Scholar mean to you?
Being a St. Andrews Scholar is an opportunity to attend the College that I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. It is a privilege that I am indescribably grateful for and that I intend to make the most of. It also means that I must work as hard as possible to excel and give back to the College in as many ways as I can.
What would you say to anyone considering applying to St Andrew’s?
St Andrew’s is the pinnacle of support and achievement. Every person is unique in their talents and contributes to the College in incredibly individual ways that combine to craft a place of excellence and community. I have never been happier since starting at the College and it truly is a place where you will meet your best friends for life. It is an honour to attend the College and I would encourage anyone seeking a rewarding life full of community and support to apply.