Earlier this year, we were blessed to speak with TIGS Alumni, Brendan Hardie to learn more about his journey since graduating from The Illawarra Grammar School in 2019. As a recent graduate, Brendan has achieved a lot in this time including climbing Mt Kilimanjaro. Read his full story below…
What have you been doing since you graduated from TIGS?
Since graduating from TIGS, I have taken a year off from studying by deferring my Architecture degree. In this time off I have been working for Precipitator Technologies. I have recently returned from a two and a half month job in Hobart working on a double rebuild of the Hot Gas Electrostatic Precipitators.
What was your fondest memory at TIGS?
My fondest memory from my time at TIGS was the Gold Duke of Edinburgh trip. Amidst all of the challenges and problems that occurred on the hike, it made for some of my best memories of school. From Austin setting his pasta on fire to the mishaps of bookings, everyone was able to roll with the blows which made for a truly fantastic trip.
How have you been affected by the current COVID-19 crisis?
The COVID-19 crisis has affected me a little bit. I had to get special essential worker access to be allowed into Tasmania earlier this year. Additionally, one of my upcoming jobs in Western Australia has been outright cancelled. Apart from that, I have been quite lucky not having to adapt to online education and the challenges that come with it.
Do you have any advice for our students that may be interested in a career in outdoor education?
If you have a passion and love for the outdoors, hiking and camping, I would say to consider a career in outdoor education. Follow your passions because if it’s something you like doing it will barely feel like a job and getting paid is a bonus to doing the things you love.
What aspects of your education at TIGS helped you to get you to where you are now?
Without the help and generosity of the teachers, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today, including the extra time they put in to help me achieve in Year 11 and Year 12. The extracurricular activities offered at TIGS allowed me to pursue different avenues of interest.
What connections do you still have with TIGS and your cohort?
I am still really close friends with 20-30 people in my cohort, but due to working and COVID-19 almost all of the social gathering we had planned have had to be cancelled or scaled-down due to restrictions.
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TIGS community is a vibrant part of school life, supporting and encouraging the next generation of TIGS alumni. Over the past 60 years, TIGS Alumni have taken the benefits of their leading education all around the world. Alumni are invited to reconnect with the School so that they can find out about upcoming events including reunions, subscribe to publications and share their journey with us since leaving TIGS.
To reconnect with The Illawarra Grammar School, visit our Community Page.