As we continue to celebrate the dedicated volunteers in our community, we are proud to recognise our past student Jessica Simpson (Class of 2016), whose journey since leaving the Grammar gates has been marked by service, study and a commitment to making a difference.
After graduating, Jess pursued a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at James Cook University, completing the six-year degree in 2022. Her passion for healthcare and rural medicine has taken her across Australia, from Magnetic Island to Longreach and to the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Charleville. Now, Jess works full-time as a doctor in paediatrics at Redcliff Hospital, caring for sick children in the Emergency Department, Maternity Ward and Neonatal Nursery.
Despite her demanding role, Jess still makes the time for volunteering, a value instilled in her from her time at Grammar. Jess participates in the Redcliffe Hospital Foundation fundraising events, creates craft activities for hospitalised children and offers comfort to premature newborns who don’t have family present.
During her time at Grammar, Jess was an active volunteer with Grammar Helping Hands, Surf Life Saving and The Shack in Nambour.
Reflecting on the importance of volunteering, Jess believes that giving back benefits both the community and the volunteer.
“It makes extremely valuable contributions to those around you, as well as filling up your own cup! Research has shown that volunteering improves physical and mental health through social connectedness.”
One of Jess’s most cherished volunteering experiences was her first trip to Timor Leste in 2015, when she participated in Grammar’s Service Leadership Tour. During this transformative journey, she connected with the local community, sharing stories, experiences and cultural insights. That trip sparked her passion for service and left a lasting impression on her outlook and future endeavours.
Now, in an inspiring full-circle moment, Jess will be returning to Timor Leste next month, this time as a mentor and volunteer alongside our student tour group. She is eager to give back once again, continuing the work that first shaped her commitment to helping others. Jess’s journey is an example of how passion and purpose can create meaningful change. We are incredibly proud of Jess and all of our students, past and present, who continue to embrace the spirit of service.
Thank you, Jess.
