Creating Opportunities for Future Generations

For Collegian Nikki Weston (nee Belkin, TC 1994), leaving a gift to Toorak College via the Hamilton Society Bequest Program in her Will was a natural way to honour a school that helped shape her future.

"My time at Toorak meant so much to me," she reflects. "The teachers believed in me not only to excel, but to thrive."

Joining Toorak in Year 10 could have been daunting. Friendship groups were established, sporting teams were already formed, and finding a place to belong might have seemed challenging. Instead, she was welcomed into a community where she immediately felt supported and valued.

"The teachers were brilliant at identifying areas where I needed support academically and worked with me to ensure I reached the same level as my peers. It was always done in a caring and compassionate way, and I was made to feel understood and valued."

She also acknowledges that there is often an assumption that students at independent schools come from homes filled with love, support and opportunity. While this may be true for many, it is not always the case.

"Toorak provided a place where I could thrive. If I can make even a small difference to a future student and help provide them with the same opportunity, then absolutely I will."

Giving back is, for her, an expression of both gratitude and pride.

"It is a sense of pride and gratitude to support something that gave me so much in such a relatively short time. Not only academically, but through sport and personal growth."

She remembers the school's encouragement to embrace challenges, whether in the classroom, on the sporting field or beyond.

"The mindset was always to give it a go. There were many girls who didn't want to participate in PE or team sports for their own reasons, but with the right support they found the confidence to try and often overcame what had been holding them back."

The values she developed at Toorak continue to guide her today.

"I want to see all girls thrive and challenge the glass ceilings that still exist across many industries. At Toorak, you develop strength of character and a strong sense of self. You learn to question the why, challenge the perceived norm, lead and excel."

Her hope is that her future gift will help create opportunities for students who may otherwise never have considered a Toorak education.

"There are brilliant young minds whose families may not see Toorak as an option or may not have the means to afford the fees. If my gift can help remove that barrier, even in part, and give those students the opportunity to learn and thrive here, then it is worth it."

She hopes her bequest will support academic and sporting scholarships, helping future students realise their potential.

"Nothing is impossible. Put the work in, trust the process and you will succeed."

For fellow Collegians considering leaving a gift in their Will, her message is simple.

"Estate planning in your 40s isn't something you necessarily want to think about, but it is important. I've made sure my family is provided for, and I also wanted to continue supporting Toorak in a meaningful way."

She encourages others to reflect on the role that Toorak College may have played in their own lives and success.

"Please consider leaving Toorak a gift in your Will. These girls are our future leaders, and together we can help ensure they have every opportunity to thrive."

Read more about Toorak Colleges' Hamilton Society, or contact Sabrina Males for a confidential discussion on +613 9788 7208 or email sabrinam@toorakc.vic.edu.au