Interview: Catherine West

Catherine West, the 2017 Swarthmore lecturer, talks to Ian Kirk-Smith about her life, values and vision

Catherine West. | Photo: Photo courtesy of Catherine West.

Could you talk about your background?

I grew up in Sydney. My parents were Anglicans and I attended a Methodist school for girls in Sydney. But I felt that experience did not reflect the whole circle of views and the world I was living in – the culture and society of Sydney. It was a conservative approach to faith and belief.

My parents were both in education and very committed to learning as a route to freedom. I also think this is what education is about. My first love at school was languages; an ability with languages ‘slipped off the tongue’ for me. My degree was in languages and social work. I wanted to speak different languages and live in different communities. I think speaking a language opens a door to a culture.

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