Where are they now – Sam Martin (SPC 2001-06)

The College recently reconnected with Sam Martin (SPC 2001-06), pictured left with his “little” brother Charles (SPC 2006-2010)– at his wedding last year, who is mixing his greatest loves in mining and wine and hopes to be launching his own wine label in the near future.

 

Where has life taken you since leaving SPC?

Once I finished Year 12 at SPC, I went on to study at what is now Federation University and graduated as a Geologist and Mining Engineer in 2010. My first job as a graduate was with BHP Billiton and I have since been with the company for 8.5 years, working in a variety of roles across many sites in QLD and WA.

In 2018, I completed a grad diploma in Oenology (winemaking) and have since been working with Treasury Wines and some smaller wineries, based in Margaret River. I’m currently working part-time in mining and part-time in the wine industry, as well as launching my own wine label very soon.

 

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

Rowing consumed a lot of my later years at SPC and so many of my great memories are from summers spent around the boatshed or away at regattas.

 

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

Mr Michael Brady, he was my Year 7 home room teacher. He taught us many great words such as, imminent, used in a sentence to describe our impending detention. –

 

How has your education shaped your professional life?

Basic life skills: team work/collaboration, leadership, ability to listen, determination.

 

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

My time at SPC showed me the importance of community and keeping those support networks (family and friends) close by in life.-

 

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

For the Yr12 boys in particular: The average Australian has 5-7 career changes in a lifetime, what you do today doesn’t necessarily determine what you’re doing tomorrow.