Emily Pollard (nee Collins)

"Many of my teachers were inspirational - but you often don’t realise that until you leave school.”

Yarra has had a significant influence on Emily Pollard’s life. It helped her discover a love of travelling, encouraged her to follow her dreams and goals - and Emily met her future husband, Nelson, at school.

“We became friends in Year 8 and began hanging out together more in Year 10. I remember Nelson broke his foot and I helped him carry his books. Nelson was School Captain during Year 12 and we didn’t start dating until after School,” recalls Emily.

The couple lives on the Gold Coast where Emily is Head Booker for a modelling agency.

Emily joined Yarra in Year 7 and enjoyed English and French. Going on a French Exchange started a passion for travel that has seen Emily venture to Europe, Thailand, Japan, Vietnam and Africa.

She also enjoyed studying for her Certificate IV in Design (C4D) and initially thought she’d follow a career in fashion design.

“I loved C4D because it was creative. We had to do a 120-hour portrait that I still have,” she says.

Emily also remembers playing tennis and basketball for Yarra and the School’s emphasis on community service.

“I remember being involved in the Good Friday Appeal, selling chocolate Freddos and getting a gold certificate for my efforts! Nelson and I still volunteer and give back as often as we can,” says Emily.

“Work life balance is important. I want to be challenged in my career but it’s not about money. Success is being happy and living life.”