Alisha Gilmore (Attended 2020)
Forging Her Own Path: How Alisha Gilmore Has Turned Challenges into Opportunities
Published February 2025
In 2020, Alisha Gilmore walked through the gates of Scots College as one of just five girls in a Year 13 cohort of 120 boys. Scots had just transitioned to being a co-educational school, and challenges were inevitable—for students and staff alike—but Alisha recalls the transition as a positive one.
“It was new for everyone, and we were all walking on eggshells at first, but everyone managed it really well and the situation improved over time,” she reflects.
Before attending Scots College, Alisha was at an all-girls’ school. She decided to switch to Scots in her final year of high school for several reasons. Diagnosed with dyslexia halfway through Year 12, she struggled academically and felt she wasn’t receiving the support she needed. Looking for a fresh start, she applied to Scots College.
“The interview process was daunting, but I was accepted—and I thrived in the new environment”, she remembers.
During her time at Scots, Alisha faced the additional challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic but still managed to excel. She was recognised with a Leadership Award at prizegiving, testament to her natural leadership abilities. “I think leadership has always been part of who I am, but being at Scots really pushed me to step up, be confident, and take charge” she says.
Teachers such as Ms Gibbs and Mr Brookes played a key role in her journey, with Mr Brookes in particular sparking her passion for geography—an interest that would shape her future studies.
After graduating from Scots, Alisha took a summer off before enrolling at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, to pursue a degree in population health policy, service, and delivery, with a minor in geography.
She took a brave step when she signed up for an exchange programme at the National University of Singapore, an experience that broadened her perspective and provided valuable experiences.
From there, Alisha’s career took an unexpected turn—one that led her to South Korea, where she worked as Manager of International Relations and Accreditation for the 2024 Youth Winter Olympic Games in Gangwon. This role involved significant data management and coordination, and she found herself thriving in the fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
Now back in New Zealand, Alisha has been teaching and tutoring while she contemplates her next steps. Her latest challenge? She has just enrolled for a Masters in Nursing Science at Monash University, alongside training for the Melbourne Marathon in October 2025.
Looking back, Alisha credits Scots College for shaping her journey. “I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for Scots,” she says.
From overcoming educational challenges to thriving in diverse and changing environments, Alisha Gilmore’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of opportunities—a testament to what can be achieved with determination and courage.
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