Where are they now – Nathan Porter (1992-97)

The College reconnects with Nathan Porter (SPC 1992-97), who is looking forward to catching up with his old classmates at- his 20-Year (1997) Class Reunion in May.

 

 

Where has life taken you since leaving SPC?

Life over the last 20 years has had many twists and turns. In a nutshell, the first 10 years since graduating from St Patrick’s, I studied architecture at Deakin University, spent some time living and travelling through Europe and North Africa, released an album and played cricket locally in Ballarat and Melbourne. More recently, I practised architecture in Melbourne before my wife and I returned to Ballarat where we set up a small practice named Porter Architects. I also teach part-time and guest lecture the master of architecture students at Deakin University. We have two children named Sidney and Charlotte. Our eldest boy Sidney is about to begin kindergarten. I also take a keen interest in long distance running and have managed to complete two Melbourne Marathons over the past three years.

 

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

There are many memories from St Patrick’s which I hold dear. My favourite memories include lunchtime batting technique sessions with Brother Breech, the Year 9 bush walking camp to the Grampians, woodwork classes with Malcolm Barrins, the First 11 Tassie cricket tour, beating the Year 8s at jerks, ancient history classes with Maurice Holloway, cross country running with Tony Martino, playing trombone in the senior band and forming some lifelong friendships.

 

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

I would have to say Brother Zoch. He was able to turn most of us not so talented maths students into fairly capable young men. He also taught us self-discipline, application, problem solving skills and respect for others.

 

How has your education shaped your professional life?

I think St Patrick’s introduced me to a lot of things which I developed further in my professional adult life. A couple of examples include woodwork which helped me develop a patience and craft which I use every day in my field. History developed a thirst to find out about the world before us and introduced me to structures such as the pyramids, Coliseum, Parthenon, etc. Being an all-boys school I suppose it was sometimes a dog-eat-dog world which taught me to survive in the real world.

 

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

St Patrick’s taught me about self-discipline, comradery through team sport, a curiosity about the world, problem solving skills and respect for others which are all important to me now.

 

What are you looking forward to about attending your Class of 1997 20-Year Reunion this year (held in 2017)?

It will be good to have a look around the school with some old mates, catch up, reminisce and see how the place has changed.

 

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

Explore anything that interests you and listen to the people that matter to you. You never know what you’re capable of until you try something new. And you never know when it might come back to you in your adult life. Enjoy the experience without heaping too much pressure on yourself.