Molly O'Donohue

Name: Molly O'Donohue
Participant Year: 2017
Current Role: Committee Member, Team Member, Co-Director (2022-2023)

What are you doing at the moment in relation to work/life?
I am currently working as a doctor in rural Victoria, and training to become a rural generalist through the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine.

Why did you attend RYLA?
I applied for RYLA at a tricky time in my life – I was completing my undergraduate degree, trying to get into medical school, and had a lot of self-doubt around my capabilities and passions.
 
I was volunteering on another camp with a past RYLA team member, who suggested that I should apply! He refused to answer any of my questions about RYLA, instead telling me to ‘just apply’ and to take a leap of faith. Feeling a bit stuck in life, I did, and it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.

How did RYLA help you on your journey to where you are now?
RYLA has given me the confidence and the strong foundation to go after what I want. I truly credit RYLA for my success in medical school and now as a doctor. Prior to RYLA, I lacked confidence in my communication skills, and hesitated in applying for roles that I wanted because I didn’t look or act like the people I had seen in those roles.
 
Attending RYLA exponentially improved my interview skills, my ability to articulate my opinions and to relate to others. It highlighted that perfection is not necessary (and in fact can be harmful), and you can get a long way by just listening and being thoughtful in your questions. It also helped me to realise what I valued, how to manage competing priorities, and what to do if my actions didn’t feel aligned with my beliefs, all of which are crucial to both my career and my life.

What would you say to someone who is thinking of applying for RYLA?
While I know trusting a stranger and applying for a week away from your life sounds ridiculous, it is truly one of the best ways to challenge yourself and open up opportunities for growth and change, especially if you’re feeling stuck. The unknown can be terrifying, but the reward is often so worth it.
 
I never would have pictured nine years ago that I would be where I am now, but I am so glad that I took the leap.