Where are they now – Scott Murphy (2009-14)

The College recently reconnected with Scott Murphy (SPC 2009-14) who became the inaugural recipient of the Henry Sutton Award, which is awarded to the Federation University student with the best innovative final Engineering project. Scott is currently working as a site engineer on the eastern entrance of the Metro Tunnel. Well done Scott!

Where has life taken you since leaving SPC?

After finishing high school at SPC in 2014, I took my studies to Federation University and studied Civil Engineering for four years. During my time at uni, I did placement at VicRoads and worked with the engineering teams on major projects in and around Ballarat. I graduated university in 2018, did some travelling, then started a graduate program with Rail Projects Victoria (RPV) in Melbourne. I moved to Melbourne a few months ago. I’m currently in my second rotation working as a site engineer on the eastern entrance of the Metro Tunnel.

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

My fondest memories would have to be spending time with my mates, and making lifelong friendships. I’m still friends with so many high school friends, and it’s great to catch up and reminisce about all the fun we use to have at school. I really enjoy looking back on all the games that were played at recess and lunch or during sport and fitness classes.

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

The teacher that had the biggest impact on me throughout my time at SPC was Mr (Peter) Joyce. He was my home room teacher in both Year 9 and 10, he was also my teacher for many other classes such as English, sport, and fitness. Year 9 is a big year for most students, we had four school camps that year, and going in them with Mr Joyce was a great experience. He knew when to let us have fun and often joined in with the fun but also got us to knuckle down and get our stuff done when we had to. He helped me to improve my leadership skills and always pushed me to come out of my shell. Although he was my teacher, he always treated me and the class as equals and friends, which made it easy to learn from him.

How has your education shaped your professional life?

Education had always been a big part of my life. From a young age I knew I would be doing further study after high school. My education at SPC helped shape my career path toward engineering, and was able to offer all the resources I needed to achieve that dream. I really valued my education, in the career I’m in, I will always be learning and looking for opportunities to learn. SPC was always supportive and encouraged further learning. I wouldn’t be where I am without my education at SPC.

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

SPC helped me and many others transition from children into adults. The values and life lessons we learnt, were not only related to our schooling, but to our personal lives as well. SPC taught me respect and honesty, which has become one of my main values that I try to uphold in all aspects of my life.

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

Make the most of your time there. If I could go back I would definitely try and get more involved with all the different sports and activities that were on offer. Those kinds of opportunities to try different things aren’t as accessible after high school, so make the most of it while you can!