What would we know? As teachers, we can sometimes feel this attitude emanating from students. Andrew Berry was one of those students, when he attended Timboon P-12 School. However, today he returned to the school to speak with Year 10 Health and Career students about the need to make the most of the opportunities of their time here. Andrew described himself as a ‘shithead’ at school, as he hated school and had no respect for his teachers. He even had a bet with his Maths teacher, who told him that he would fail his Maths’ exam. Andrew scored 97% and won $ 100. However, his overall Year 12 school results meant that Andrew continued to work at Ritchies in Timboon. He worked at Thomas catering and his parents managed to persuade him to get a certificate in retail. Whilst Andrew learned to talk with customers, he was not passionate about the industry. Later, Andrew worked as a concreter, where he and his workmates worked hard and played hard. He then joined Genetics Australia as a herd test manager AI-ing and freezebranding cattle. He loved his experience playing footy with the Timboon Demons and gained respect for those in the team, who made sure that he was ‘kept in line.’ Andrew volunteered as part of the Port Campbell CERT and enjoyed working in that team environment as he enjoyed helping people. Sadly, the day he found his true vocation was Boxing Day eleven years ago, when a young woman suffered a cardiac arrest after an asthma attack. The team worked on her for 2 ½ hours but sadly, she could not be saved. It was the turning point for Andrew. He decided to become an ‘ambo.’ He later told the deceased woman’s mother that trying to save her daughter was the catalyst for his decision and she found some comfort knowing that his decision might serve as her daughter’s legacy. Andrew was offered support in his studies, by his wife Melissa. Finally, he had met his arch-nemesis – a teacher! Andrew studied with Flinders University 14 hours a day online – he even took a course about writing essays and studying. Just as well a teacher was at home ‘to bite him in the bum!’ Andrew gained practical experience in Geelong, which meant that Melissa looked after their young family during the week. He was doing all this for them, his family – and for others. Today, he is an integral part of our community, ensuring our safety. Andrew told our Year 10 students: “You don’t need to be the best student, just do your best.” - Katherine Fox & Fiona Mackenzie, Year 10 Health & Careers’ teachers Comments are closed.
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March 2024
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