Ruby Woodbury

Resilient, thoughtful, and endlessly curious, I am a Bachelor of Arts student majoring in Ancient History at Macquarie University. From reading about Ancient Egypt at age five to traveling solo across the UK to walk in the footsteps of historical figures, I’ve always sought deep, human connections with the past. I am especially drawn to how stories—told through objects, performance, and people—connect across time and cultures. My experiences with theatre, travel, independent research, and caring for a family member with dementia have shaped a strong ability to empathise, communicate, and interpret the world through many lenses.

September - December 2024

• Studied history in an immersive UK environment
• Travelled solo across the UK and Ireland, navigating transport, culture, and heritage sites
• Visited historical locations: Isle of Skye, Stirling Castle, Bath, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Cambridge, Wales, and Dublin
• Frequented many of UKs museums and their various collections that I had learned and fascinated about in school, university and individual research

Jan 2023 – Present

• Supported her grandmother in daily routines with warmth and empathy
• Recognised memory loss as part of a condition—not a loss of personhood
• Used supported decision-making approaches and inclusive language to normalise experiences
• Took her on familiar outings to reduce anxiety and support emotional well-being
• Developed emotional intelligence and practical care skills through lived experience

2009 – 2021

• Developed confidence and presence through drama from a young age
  Used performance to explore emotional and historical perspectives
• Key performances included:
  o “As I Lay Dreaming”, “Shakespeare’s Love is in the Air”, “Tiggy
  Entwhistle Monologue”, and others
• Believes drama enhances historical understanding by animating lived
  experience

Ötzi the Iceman Research Project:

• Challenged traditional classroom thinking with independent analysis
• Proposed arrow trauma as cause of death (later confirmed by published evidence)
• Traveled to Bolzano to see Ötzi in person at the South Tyrol Museum

Travel & Cultural Learning:

• Visited Egypt as a child to explore early fascination with ancient history
• Ongoing interest in cultural heritage through personal travel and academic study

School Music Tour (2019):

• Toured Salzburg, Vienna, Budapest, and Prague as part of school ensemble
• Exposed to musical heritage and the historical context of Central Europe

• RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol)
• RCG (Responsible Conduct of Gambling)
• NSW Working with Children Check – [In progress]
• First Aid Certificate – [If applicable]