CONNECTIONS

I have travelled to the outer reaches of
the Mongolian countryside and have
also written about nomadic herders.
Getting out of my comfort zone is not
only enjoyable, but rewarding. As a
journalist, I see a part of Mongolia that
most expats here don’t get to witness.
One of my favourite experiences was
presenting a TV program about the
Khovsgol Ice Festival which takes
place in minus 30-40 degrees Celsius
temperatures on Mongolia’s largest
lake. I guess I do this because I have
always had a keen sense of adventure,
but mostly because I feel an affinity
and alliance with my Mongolian friends.
I write about Mongolia because I love
Mongolia and Mongolians. It’s as
simple as that. I’m lucky. It’s the other
way around – Mongolia has given me
something extraordinary to write about!
Can you tell us a bit about the
work you have done with women
and children in the marginalised
communities of Mongolia?
There are too many orphanages and
charities I’ve been involved with to
name. I will tell you however, that
delivering coal and presents to gers
with single mums and children over
the Christmas period will stay in my
memory forever. The situation and
hardship out in these districts is dire
and horribly confronting. When my kids
are older I will take them out there in
the extreme winter conditions to remind
them how lucky they are. I think they
already know this. I hope.
I believe that this is their home
and it is their responsibility to take
part in helping these marginalised
communities. It’s not enough to just
put their old clothes and toys in a bag
and send it off to a local charity.
Your daughter Annabelle is
looking forward to becoming a
‘Girl in Green’ in a few years’
time. Can you describe the
importance of your decision to
provide her with a Somerville
House education?
It’s in hindsight that you realise the
importance of a good education.
I don’t just want a good education
for my daughter Annabelle, I want
the best for her. I want her to
experience what I did at Somerville
House. It will open her eyes to a
world outside of Mongolia. She will
also make lifelong friends with young
women from all around the world.
At Somerville House, she will be able
to gain the skills and knowledge she
needs to pursue her passions. Should
Annabelle find herself off the beaten
track as I did, she’ll always have a
great network of friends and a solid
foundation under her belt.
What advice would you give
to the aspiring young leaders
and change-makers of
Somerville House?
I don’t like the cliché “follow your
dreams”, but it’s true. You must,
however, find strength and courage
when life doesn’t turn out the way
you expected it to. Curve balls are
guaranteed. The ability to remain
resilient and brave in the face of
adversity is equally as important as
following your dreams.
On the lighter side, life begins after 40!
You are all amazing young women and
I hope to see you in Mongolia one day!
Allyson Seaborn’s father,
Michael Wille OAM, is the founder of
The Australian Cervical Foundation
which is part of the Somerville
House leadership program.
You can see Allyson’s
Talk with Me programs on:
www.facebook.com/
TALKWITHMESTARTV
About Mongolia:
www.facebook.com/
SLICEOFMONGOLIA
And follow Allyson on Twitter:
@allysonseaborn
I don’t like the cliché “follow your
dreams”, but it’s true. You must,
however, find strength and courage
when life doesn’t turn out the way you
expected it to. Curve balls are
guaranteed. The ability to remain
resilient and brave in the face of
adversity is equally as important as
following your dreams.
10 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNECTIONS
VOL. 14 NO. 2 | 2016
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