Claire Wong - Class Of 2009
"MARY WARD MOTTO AS INSPIRATION"
Claire still vividly remembers her first introduction to Loreto Toorak in Year 7: the architecture of Mandeville Hall and the damask silk wallpaper, and being greeted by the Principal, Dr Susan Stevens. To Claire's 12-year-old mind, Dr Stevens' was the living embodiment of Snow White! Following Dr Stevens' advice to read classics such as Pride and Prejudice would lead to a lifelong passion for the works of Jane Austen, who remains Claire's favourite author.
Her years at Loreto Toorak have left indelible memories and Claire has been encouraged and motivated by many of her teachers, particularly Mrs Margot Thompson, for not only honing her English and literary skills but also keeping her current with modern vernacular - no small feat given Claire's propensity for classic texts and an old-fashioned disposition. Mrs Thompson is also credited by Claire with sowing the seeds of interest in the Law.
Claire's other great love is History and she recalls Ms Marciniak's ongoing encouragement: from reading Sir Walter Scott's Ivanhoe, to being introduced to Mrs Abbott from the Library who helped to make Claire's very own Medieval gown. This emerald velvet surcoat, edged with gold braiding from Mrs Abbott's own lampshade supplies, is treasured and worn to this day.
Claire commenced a Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of Melbourne, majoring in History and Politics, She also studied a Diploma of Music in order to continue to play harpsichord.
Her career to date has seen her work alongside Melbourne's most marginalised communities. She has worked as a legal clerk with the Aboriginal Legal Services of Victoria and Western Australia, the latter taking her on a three-month working adventure to the remote regions of Kununurra, where she stayed at the local convent and helped serve breakfast to the community. Claire currently works as a Barrister at the Tasmanian Bar, regularly appearing in the Magistrates' and Supreme Courts.
Claire believes her years at Loreto Toorak have kept her grounded with a solid academic and cultural education that has enabled her to achieve career success. Mary Ward's motto, Women in time will come to do much, has never left her and served as inspiration for her to strive for success in areas that were once male dominated, such as the law. Perhaps most importantly, her education has given her a rich understanding of the social responsibility to give back to the community, and to assist others who may be less fortunate.
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