Where Are They Now – Sean Balchin

The College reconnects with Sean Balchin (SPC 1986-90), who remembers his boarding time and rowing memories- fondly at St Patrick’s College.

 

Where has life taken you since leaving SPC?

After leaving SPC I moved into a place of my own and got straight into work life, initially as a cabinet-making apprentice. I completed my apprenticeship and then bought the business which I ran for about 10 years. I was engaged at 19 and married at the age of 20 and have two teenage boys. I now work as a FM Contract manager having worked at the Australian Ballet, Melbourne Airport and most recently at Melbourne Market-

What are your favourite memories of your time at St Patrick’s College?

I think as a boarder and someone who arrived at SPC on a scholarship from an orphanage, the mateship was what I remember most fondly. Rowing would have to be what I enjoyed the most as a sport.

Which teacher from your time at SPC had the greatest impact on you? Why?

Br Alford was my greatest influence. I knew Br Alford from my time at St Augustine’s boys Orphanage and he was responsible for getting me to SPC on a scholarship. He was a constant source of support to me throughout my time at SPC and for a short while after before he moved overseas.

How has your education shaped your professional life?

I still consider myself to be very fortunate to have been educated at SPC. SPC has a rich history and I am always very proud to say I was educated at SPC. I firmly believe it is the education I received that assisted me in achieving my career goals to date as it was that platform that started me on my way.

How has your time at SPC shaped your personal values and your family life?

SPC and in particular boarding life well and truly helped shape my values. Coming from an orphanage, I did not really understand family life, but living with good people and in an environment where family values were important, I found assurance and self-belief that I could be part of a family. This belief is also a factor that has helped me to 22 years of a happy marriage and wonderful children.

If you could pass on one message to the students of today, what would it be?

Work hard at your dreams and aspiration. Your education is short in the scope of one’s life yet it is the strongest platform to get you where you want to be. If you don’t go after what you want you will never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no and if you don’t step forward you will stay in the same place.

 

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