I’m now the owner of a local residential construction business here in Alexandra. We employ six staff members: four apprentices and two qualified carpenters. Two of our apprentices actually came through ASC. Running a construction business means my days are full and varied. I organise my team for their daily and weekly tasks, coordinate with trades and suppliers, and communicate with clients throughout the building process. Leadership, clear communication, and organisation are essential to what I do. Those leadership skills started developing at ASC—being elected Vice Captain in Year 12 and serving as a House Captain throughout my high school years gave me the chance to build confidence and learn responsibility. Leadership workshops along the way helped me understand different styles and approaches, lessons that I still use today.

Around 2008–2009, the school introduced a new VET Construction course, which was right up my alley. I’ve always loved anything to do with building—I’m a self-confessed toolaholic (it’s becoming a problem!). I was lucky enough to study Woodwork from Year 7 through to Year 12, learning cabinet-making skills and techniques from Mr Rhodes and Mr Miller. These classes let me spend time doing something I was genuinely passionate about, and the support I received—especially from Mr Rhodes—made a huge difference. He encouraged me, challenged me, and helped build the foundation for the career I have today.

Choosing a favourite school memory is tough because we were offered so many incredible experiences: school camps, sports days, umpiring Auskick on the MCG at half-time of an AFL game, the Central Australia trip, the Japan trip, and plenty more.

But for me, the Japan Trip stands out. Mrs Tossol did an unbelievable job organising it for so many years. Not only was she taking a group of teenagers overseas—some for their first-ever international adventure—but she had to do it with Nadjy, who was often the biggest kid on the trip! The memories from that experience are still talked about today. Trips like that teach you life skills without you even realising it—trying new things, stepping out of your comfort zone, seeing the world from a different perspective. These are lessons that can’t be taught in a classroom, but ASC made sure we had access to them.

Looking back now, I realise how lucky we were to have such amazing teachers. Passion, empathy, and encouragement were at the heart of what they did. Many of them were down-to-earth people who cared about us beyond the school gates. In a small community, your teachers often become your coaches, teammates, or even opponents on the weekend through local sport. You don’t get that in bigger towns, and it creates a connection that stays with you long after school finishes.

We were also incredibly fortunate—especially for a smaller regional secondary school—to be offered such a wide range of subjects, courses, and opportunities. That variety helped so many of us discover our strengths and shape our futures.

When I look at where I am today, running a business I love and working with a great team—including former ASC students—I can see just how much of the groundwork was laid during my time at Alexandra Secondary College. I’m grateful for the opportunities, the teachers, the support, and the experiences that helped me become who I am.