Life beyond Radford
James Overall
- Graduate Diploma, Tourism and Environmental Management
- Ranger, ACT Parks and Conservation Service, 2011-Present
What does life look for you now?
Life is pretty bloody great! Have a young son, a loving wife, incredible job all in one of the best cities in the world! More specifically, I am a Ranger in Charge with the ACT Parks and Conservation Service overseeing the Governments management of northern Namadgi National Park, the Lower Cotter Catchment and Murrumbidgee River Corridor... a great privilege!
Tell us what you are passionate about?
Rehabilitating natural landscapes, connecting people with nature, adventure sports, travelling, cycling and good beer:)
When you were young, what were you hoping to be when you grew up?
I don't really recall having a boyhood dream as such... I think at one stage or another it was an adventure guide, a physicist, gardener or non-stop traveller.
What is your favourite Radford moment?
Geez... far too many to narrow down to one! I recall endless lunchtimes of creating increasingly random games and challenges with friends. Friday activities, flirting with girls, and woodwork classes were always highlights:)
Do you have a particular role model or inspirational figure from Radford or now?
I think George Huitker and Patrick Craddock were two of the most genuine, passionate and interesting teachers, mentors, friends, and sports coaches I had. Simply amazing guys!
How easy was it to decide what to do in life?
Not very, but fortunately I never got too wound up or stressed about it. I had some general ideas and desires and enrolled in Uni of Canberra the following year. I studied tourism for 6 months and then went travelling overseas for a few months. This allowed me to confirm my general interest in my degree whilst getting some life experience and cultural exposure.
Did your further study or career go exactly as you'd planned?
Was never one to plan things out too far... though fortunately for me I made some good decisions along the way, pursued opportunities, worked hard and the rollercoaster of life brought me to where I am now. No complaints really!
What do you know now, that you wish you'd known when you were at Radford?
How awesome working in the Conservation/land management field is.
What advice do you have for current students?
Don't waste too much time on your phone, appreciate all the things that are growing around the school (Gossan Hill is pretty interesting!), consider a job that gets you outdoors and away from the computer (you can do that later in life when your body is failing you :).
Anything else that you would like to share?
I regularly reflect on the incredible opportunities I had at Radford and encourage current students to keep that in perspective as they travel through life... our problems and hardships often seem trivial compared to the world's youth who would only dream of what Radford provides or never even get the opportunity to go to school.
