Where Are They Now?

Former Student: Hayley Black

I attended Aparima College from 1994-2000. I remember thinking that being part of the class of 2000 was the greatest honour - and I still think so! I have some great memories from my years at the school - Haley Templeton and myself always finding a way to get out of PE and go upstairs to 'dance' to the music Mr Mills blared in the gym. Miss Field, Mr Coppin and Mrs Asher were my favourite teachers - I could go on and on about how much Mrs Asher taught me in home economics (although I still managed to sew over my thumb one day).

After finishing school in 2000 I went on to complete a certificate in Radio and Journalism at SIT in Invercargill in 2001, which gave me the skills, knowledge and experience I needed to get into the New Zealand Broadcasting School in Christchurch in 2002. I was one of 19 people selected for the Radio Broadcasting course that year. After three hard years of study, I now have a Bachelor of Broadcasting Communication ( BBc ). The New Zealand Broadcasting School is the best thing I have ever done, I learnt so much, and met so many wonderful people.

I got my first job in December 2003 as part of an internship. I was the breakfast co-host/community broadcaster of Classic Hits Marlborough for six months. I got offered a job in June of this year at The Radio Network (TRN) in Timaru . I am now the breakfast co-host at Classic Hits South Canterbury, and as part of my role of Community Broadcaster at TRn I am heavily involved in announcing, promotions, production and news reading for our three brands: Newstalk ZB, Radio Sport and Classic Hits. I have a very busy day, but every day I wake up (at 5:30am ) and remember that I am doing what I love, and that is radio. My goal is to win a radio award next year, so watch this space!

 

Former Student: Cassie McKay

I attended Aparima College from 1995 to 2001. My most enjoyable subjects at school were PE and accounting. I was unsure what I wanted to do when I completed secondary school and one day when I was in Year 13, Mrs Fraser came to class and suggested I should apply for an accounting traineeship. I talked it over with my parents and decided to send in an application. I got the job and began my traineeship in February 2002. For two years I worked at Cook Adam & Co Chartered Accountants while I studied part time at the Southern Institute of Technology towards a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting. In 2004 I moved to Dunedin to attend Otago University full time for two years to complete my BCOM. In the holidays I work at Cook Adam & Co and when I finish my degree I will work full time at Cook Adam & Co. I really enjoy my job and have met so many wonderful people along the way. Eventually my goal is to become a Chartered Accountant and travel overseas. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Aparima College and believe that because of the close-knit community and small school I was given many opportunities throughout my education that I may not have been given elsewhere. Thank you to all the staff that helped me get to where I am today.

 

Former Student: Aaron Barlow

Aaron is now based in Leicester England , and has been living there, playing rugby and working for the last three months. Prior to joining the 'Grunion Rugby Club' Aaron had been in America , living in Santa Barbara, California for six months doing the same thing - playing rugby and working. In total, Aaron has spent two years travelling the world and playing rugby.

Aaron states, "I've been fortunate enough to play rugby in front of some people who have offered me the opportunity to play rugby in these countries and they in return find me a job, accommodation and a car. Plus they pay for my air-flights. I've spent 2005 travelling the world for free."

Aaron does not get paid to play and there are no contracts involved, but it's more of an opportunity to experience life in another country and experience different styles of rugby. According to Aaron, "to me it's the next best thing." Aaron's best rugby moment has been training with the All Blacks, while his best non-Rugby moment has been sight-seeing in New York .

 

Former Student: Alistair Black

Alistair began his Aparima College education as a form 1 pupil in 1988, with the form one camp in Dunedin probably being the highlight of his first year. Over the following three years in the junior section of the school he enjoyed many new interests, namely the school productions and representing the college as a member of the soccer team.

1992 was his School Certificate year so Alistair gave up a lot of out of school activities to concentrate on his senior school education and this diligence continued over the following two years while he studied for Sixth Form Certificate and finally Bursary. This ultimately paid off for him as he finished his Aparima schooling in 1994 with the distinction of being runner-up to Dux. During his final year he was nominated Head Boy - a task he served with great pride.

Alistair's goal was to attend Lincoln University to study Agricultural Science, and after four years there he graduated in 1999 with First Class Honours. He decided to return to Lincoln to complete a PHD. This was a major decision for him, however all his hard work paid off when in April 2004 he graduated as a Doctor of Philosophy, a well earned achievement. Alastair is very appreciative of all the help given him by his Aparima College teachers and latterly his lecturers at Lincoln University .

In September 2004 he answered an advertisement for a scientist to work at the Teagasc Research Centre near Dublin , Ireland . He was successful in gaining this position and commenced work there in May of this year. He is facing new challenges now in his new career of trialling grasses suitable for cattle feed and enjoys the success of his various trials for the benefit of Irish beef farmers.