Alumni Update: Julia Willard '96

We recently checked in with St. Paul's alum, Julia Willard '96, to find out about her life and work in Paris, France! Read more about Julia below, and check out our 23-24 annual report for more updates from across our community.

 

Julia Willard - St. Paul's Class of 1996

High School
Pembroke Hill School, 2000

University and Graduation Year
William Jewell College, 2004

Current City
Paris, France

Profession/Role
Photographer, travel blogger and mom

 

What has your professional path been since graduating from college?
I worked for a bit at American Century, and I moved to Paris for my MBA. I was familiar with France since I studied abroad in Dijon during undergrad. During my early years in Paris, I worked for a marketing firm, and I primarily provided marketing services for hotels. I got positive feedback about my photography, and I decided to try selling my images. From there, my blog and photography business, Falling Off Bicycles (Instagram: @fallingoffbicycles), were born. While continuing my photography work, I also began working with European tourism offices to share my experiences traveling abroad.

What has been your favorite part of living in Paris?
The challenge. Every day is a test of patience. I’ve become more flexible in situations that are often frustrating, whether due to a language barrier, administrative challenges, or cultural differences. I’m grateful for the challenges because they have helped shape my expansive and open-minded world view.

 

Tell us about a personal or professional triumph that you’re proud of.
I was in a women’s networking group in Paris, and we all contributed to a book about our experience moving to and living in Paris. The book is called My Paris Story: Living, Loving, and Leaping Without a Net in the City of Light. Many of the women are business owners and the book celebrates how each woman overcame obstacles to become entrepreneurs in a new country. I’m proud that I was able to contribute my story and share what I love about Paris.

 

How do you like to spend your free time? Any hobbies?
I enjoy yoga, reading, and I absolutely love walking and exploring new places. When I travel, I usually create a list including major landmarks and lesser-known spots to get an authentic feel for the place. I rarely go anywhere without my camera. One of my favorite places I’ve visited is Venice - it’s such an enchanting city and different from anywhere else in the world.

 

How do you think St. Paul’s prepared you for your future?
St. Paul’s gave me such a sense of security. As an adult, I look back and appreciate the school’s small class sizes, the compassionate faculty, and the sense of belonging that helped shape me and my classmates into confident young adults. Of course, I am also grateful for the education I received, but for me - and this is something I reflect a great deal on in raising my son - St. Paul’s feels like an extension of my family.

 

What advice do you have for current St. Paul’s students?
Study abroad! And dare to do it in a non-English speaking country. There are opportunities nowadays in so many different countries, and it’s fun to choose the unpredictable path. Studying abroad will challenge your views on just about everything. You will change your perspective, establish your core values, and discover new things about yourself. You will gain so much confidence from the experience, and who knows, it could put your life on a completely new trajectory, like it did mine.