Alumni Inspiration

Dr Jessica Johannsen (Ah Chee, 2010)

General Practitioner

What was life like when you were a Pymble girl? “
I was a Boarder and absolutely loved it (most of the time, of course at times I would be homesick, a universal Boarder experience I would say). It was a chance to get out of my comfort zone and push my resilience, particularly coming from a smaller town. 

What was a highlight of your time at Pymble?
The last day of school was a memorable moment. I enjoyed being able to share the milestone with friends, but also teachers who had made a great impact. I still remember us all together in the auditorium enjoying the last moments of school together.

 Did you always know what you wanted to do? 
Yes and no. I initially started to think about pursuing a career in health after noting realistically that I wasn’t going to make it professionally in tennis. This thought crossed my mind in about Year 10. However, when I was in primary school, I had completed an assignment titled ‘What do you want to be when you grow up’ and had chosen to interview a good family friend who was a doctor.

Tell us a little about your journey? 
I am an Arrernte/Yankunytjatjara/Wangangkurru woman on my father’s side and Bundjalung on my mother’s. I was born and grew up in Mparntwe (Alice Springs). I was scouted by Evonne Goolagong-Cawley for a tennis scholarship to Pymble. Although sport was a big part of my life, so were my academic aspirations, which made Pymble the perfect fit for me. After completing Year 12, I attended The University of Adelaide and completed my Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery in 2018. I am now working as a General Practitioner at a Central Australian Aboriginal Congress.

Who inspires you? 
My mother, Donna Ah Chee. 

What do you know now that you wish you had discovered earlier?
To be authentic to yourself. Say yes to opportunities that will push you while also knowing your limits and saying no when you’re stretched too thin.