So all of my education, much of it being in the 1950s, was with nuns, who in those days wore the complete habit, covered from head to foot. The nuns in Narrabri were strict and rather humourless.

The Dominicans at Santa Sabina were an elite group of educators and instilled an attitude of strength and determination. They were very strict and forbidding, with much emphasis on religion and attending Mass every morning.

My favourite subject was the piano, which I started learning when I was five years old. One nun, Sister Gabriel, would whack me on the knuckles with a ruler on cold mornings if I made a mistake.

My favourite music teacher at Narrabri was Sister Aloysius, who was a young and gentle person and recognising I had some talent would reward me if I did well in my examinations. I still have a book she gave me with her handwritten encouragement inside.

The worst teacher was a nun at Santa Sabina who took a dislike to me because I was spirited and would speak up if challenged. She hounded me consistently and was quite sarcastic but I didn't become the meek, mild child she wanted and this made matters worse.

The funniest things were in the school chapel where we'd drop the hymn book from the mezzanine level pretending it was an accident. We'd inwardly burst with laughter and scream with mirth when we got outside.

School sports and extra-curricular activity were very important to me. I was good at netball and captain of the A-team which allowed me to attend other schools to compete for the annual trophy.

Santa Sabina had four sports teams and I was captain of the gold team which culminated in a competitive sports day at the end of the year.

Having a career didn't enter my head at this stage. The emphasis from my parents was not really on education but to learn to cook, sew and be a good homemaker in preparation of marriage.

When I look back now, school didn't teach me awareness of the potential I may have had or harnessed my energy into a positive outcome.

On leaving, I went on to attend Miss Hales Business College in Sydney to study shorthand, typing and deportment, and how to hold your handbag like a lady.

I lived in a hostel called Rosary Villa in Darling Point, which had a wonderful view of Sydney Harbour.

Happily, these nuns were decidedly slack so I was free to come and go as I pleased and had a wonderful time.

I'm pleased to add I also graduated from Miss Hales with distinction. After marrying at the age of 20 and having three sons, I answered an advertisement in the local Narrabri newspaper, The North Western Courier, for a promotions office for the Narrabri Chamber of Commerce.

My job was to build up the chamber's membership and devise promotional ideas. The chamber's president was the town's main jeweller and being in his office I became involved with the gems and designing. I was offered a partnership, bought a 20 per cent shareholding.

I was also accompanying my husband overseas on his business trips, which gave me the impetus to start buying antique jewellery in London and beads and pearls from Hong Kong. My first trip to Hong Kong was in 1972. I fell in love with the city instantly and my devotion has not changed for what is a vibrant metropolis.

My advice to students is to extend yourself, keep your mind open to possibilities and trust your instincts.

Jan Logan is a jewellery designer with stores in Hong Kong and Sydney. She was talking to David Phair.