Beyond The Gates

An Olympian’s Story

Jenna Strauch entered Korowa in Year 9 in 2012 and graduated in Year 12 in 2015. Jenna is a Tokyo 2020/21 Olympian, 2024 Paris Olympian and Silver Medallist, a World Silver Medallist, Commonwealth Games Medallist, and member of the Australian Dolphins Swim Team. Her primary discipline is 100m breaststroke, 200m breaststroke and medley relays. At the Paris Olympics in 2024, Jenna achieved a career highlight when she gained a Silver Medal along with Molly O’Callaghan, Kaylee McKeown, and Emma McKeon for the 4 x 100 metre Medley Relay which they did in a time of 3:53.23. Jenna returned to Korowa to speak to students in Assembly and following this, was interviewed by our student podcasters. Listen as Jenna explains her early beginnings in swimming, how Korowa helped her in her journey, what motivates her and how she has dealt with inevitable highs and lows that come during an elite sporting career. Jenna’s insights and humility make for an interesting story. Enjoy.

What has influenced you to support others in need?

Podcasters Phoebe, Issi, Dimi and Audrey interview Anastasia Frolov (Class of 2009), who is the recipient of the Korovian Fellowship Grant for 2023. Anastasia received a grant of $5000 for her protect, Professional English for Displaced Ukrainians, which will go towards purchasing ad-free Duolingo accounts for displaced Ukrainians and will allow them to adjust to life in Australia more easily.  Anastasia also shares her personal experiences at Korowa, and how school subjects fostered her passion for globalisation. In addition, Anastasia shares what inspired her to initiate her effort, as well as inspirational figures and special moments in her career that influenced her pathway which helped her get where she is today.

What does service mean to you?

Join podcasters Phoebe, Issi, Dimi and Audrey as they interview Korovian Jess Carson (Class of 2018) about her time volunteering in Fiji with her partner Alex. Jess is passionate about combatting period poverty, through creating opportunities for those in need of menstrual products. In 2022, Jess was a member of an NGO named “Involvement Volunteers International”, and she works closely with Luvu HART (Housing and Assistance Relief Trust). Jess is also the inaugural recipient of the Korovian Fellowship Grant, which provides Korovians with $5000 to pursue altruistic projects.   Moreover, Jess discusses about her firsthand experiences of battling the stigma around menstruation. She talks about why she started her journey of service and how Korowa prepared her for her future endeavours, as well as providing advice for any individuals thinking about pursuing service efforts.

The journey of Self-Discovery: Finding Your Passions and Purpose

Have you ever considered your life's journey, is there anything you would change? Were there any different paths you would have taken? What advice would you give others in similar situations?    Join Phoebe as well as new podcasters Issi, Dimi and Audrey as they interview two Korovians, who are present staff members at Korowa.     Ms Sharon Cox (Class of 1996) shares her experience of being one of the first 27 Korowa students to attend our Trek program. Nowadays, Ms Cox provides advice to Trek participants as she plays an integral role in coordinating the Trek and Quest programs.     Ms Karlie Stocker (Class of 2004) our current Head of Senior School  reminisces about her own encounters as a student, navigating school life with co-curricular activities, such as sport. She also discusses her  experience on “the biggest decision [she] ever made" and  the stigma associated with this,  which resulted in immense benefit.

How do you stay grounded?

Join podcasters Snigdha, Phoebe and Gabi together with guest podcaster Frau T as they interview Korovian and actor Bella Heathcote (Class of 2005). Bella takes us back to her memories of Korowa where she took speech and drama lessons from 12 years old. Hear about her stellar acting career which includes roles in a wide array of films such ‘Dark Shadows’ and more recently ‘Pieces of Her’ where she stared opposite Toni Collette in the Netflix thriller. Bella shares the ‘pinch me’ moments in the glamourous world of film as well as taking us behind the scenes describing how she remains grounded and resilient when faced with challenges in life.  Bella discusses the importance of becoming more comfortable in your own skin.