Sally Earl (Bairstow)
Sally Earl (Bairstow, class of 1971)
Epworth in 1968 was a paradise for me. A world of books and laboratories, and wonderful skilled teachers. My short 4 years were a time of accelerated growth.
I had decided before getting there that I was going to be a doctor, this knowledge and the start of gardening happened in my 12th year, and led to a career in Oncology as well as a passion for gardening. Our motto, Fida, Humana, Fortis has resonated through my life after school.
The faith to carry on even when times are really tough, with optimism that it will be worth it in the end. The humanity taught strongly at school, and reinforced by a mother who acknowledged all people as worthy, made me a better doctor. I could always see and appreciate the person and not the disease in my many years as Radiation Oncologist. I knew that to be able to comfort was a great gift.
Courage has been a daily requirement. The courage to face failings even when the consequences are dire. The courage to be calm when imparting bad news, and daily facing mortality.
Epworth also installed a sense of fun. So humour has carried me through many difficult times. Singing and laughing together is one of my strongest memories of school. Our class of 1971 had wonderful voices and even today when we meet we can sing and laugh together as I hope we will be able to do next year, our 50th year after school. Now I am retired and gardening. My passion now is to change the environment around me. Epworth instilled a sense of awe and wonderment for nature that was added to a childhood in the veld. This is now giving so much joy. Click Here for more information.