Welcome to 2013 on Boarding Schools Expo Blog and to a whole new batch of former boarders and their success stories.
We met Joel Smith on the plane flying from Sydney to Dubbo as he was on his way home from another heli-mustering job and were very impressed by his independence and hearing about his adventures in the Northern Territory. In between flying helicopters, barramundi fishing and chasing cattle he managed to tell us a bit about his experience at Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School.
1. What boarding school did you go to?
I attended Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School in Tamworth from 2001 to 2006
2. What was your best experience at Boarding School?
I think the best memories and experiences all involve the mateships built up over the 6 years at Farrer. The sporting events and the end of year outdoor scheme events which took us over the states where memorable.
3. What are you doing now?
I am currently employed as a helicopter mustering pilot at Heli-Muster NT which is based at Victoria River Downs approximately 400kms south west of Katherine in the Northern Territory.
4. Has anything you learnt at boarding school helped you with your current career?
The agricultural side of Farrer gave me the background knowledge and the skills to pursue a career in Agriculture.
5. Any advice for young kids going to boarding school?
The Farrer boarding experience is one I will never forget although at the beginning it was a major change, the mates and experiences gathered over the years is something that I think has contributed to who I am as a person today. For anyone looking to attend boarding school I say go for it the mates and good times will stay with you forever and maybe a little education as well.