Zoe's Gap Year Adventure: From ASC to the Open Seas

Zoe's Gap Year Adventure: From ASC to the Open Seas

When Zoe Dallimore (Class of 2023) left ASC, she knew she wanted to take some time to explore the world and challenge herself in new ways. So, she decided to take a gap year and little did she know just how transformative it would be. Most of Zoe’s year has been spent on the Leeuwin ship which runs youth training voyages along the West Australian coast. It's a far cry from the classroom setting she was used to at ASC, but Zoe has thrived in this new, hands-on environment. As a volunteer watch leader, she leads groups of 8 - 10 trainees on week-long voyages.

Together, they sail the ship through stunning coastal waters, learning the ropes (literally) of sailing a traditional vessel. For Zoe, it’s been nothing short of incredible. Not only has she gained invaluable sailing skills, but she’s also met people from all over, forging new friendships and broadening her horizons. Zoe’s gap year isn’t just about adventure at sea. In between her voyages, she’s been keeping her mind sharp by tutoring. It’s a way for her to stay connected to the academic side of things and keep up with everything she learned in the classroom. The tutoring has been both rewarding and challenging helping others while also pushing herself to stay current with her own knowledge.

When she’s not tutoring or sailing, Zoe spends her weekends volunteering on the Leeuwin in another capacity: maintenance. Two months ago, disaster struck when the ship was struck by a container ship, causing significant damage and leaving it without its masts. It was a huge setback, putting a stop to all planned voyages. But Zoe didn’t let that stop her. In the month that followed, she was back on board, helping with repairs and maintenance to get the ship back to full sailing condition. Even spending nights on the ship again, Zoe’s commitment to the vessel and its mission hasn’t wavered. Looking back at her time at ASC, Zoe has no shortage of memories to cherish.

When asked about her favourite experience, she immediately thinks of the school camps, particularly the Year 9 Kalbarri camp. “I have so many great memories from those trips”, she says a smile creeping onto her face as she recalls the fun she had with her friends. It’s clear that the bonds she formed at ASC have stayed with her, shaping the person she’s become.

Zoe’s journey since leaving ASC has been one of growth, exploration and resilience. We can’t wait to see what she does next.