Life beyond Radford
Jeremy Hackett
- Bachelor Degree, UNSW Australia, Computer Science, 1989-1991
- Pilot, Qantas Airways, 2002-Present
- Pilot, RAAF, 1989-Present
What does life look for you now?
Married with two sons. Working for Qantas again after five years leave doing Defence contract flying overseas. Still working for the RAAF as a reservist Squadron Leader.
Tell us what you are passionate about?
Wrote a bunch of songs, formed several bands and eventually recorded an album in 2009. Not doing much original stuff now but am enjoying playing bass in a Midnight Oil cover band. I've been away a lot so I now enjoy spending time with the kids and my wife. Sailing, shooting, climbing, skiing, cooking and all the normal domestics.
When you were young, what were you hoping to be when you grew up?
Typically, a pilot. Oh, and I was going to live on a yacht. That's still in the works, however.
What is your favourite Radford moment?
I came from Belconnen High in the first Radford Year 8. I fought the system for a while but gradually came round and eventually appreciated all that was on offer. My favourite moment at Radford is Radford. I would not be where I am today without it.
Do you have a particular role model or inspirational figure from Radford or now?
Mrs Murphy taught English and guided me (very patiently) to a love of literature that has informed most of my creative life since. Mr Mackinnon and Wigg forgave my trespasses and were the best of role models. From a brat I became a prefect and so an officer. Actually, all our teachers were inspiring, passionate and caring.
How easy was it to decide what to do in life?
Looking at an old school assignment, I think I created a vision of my life very early on and am still following that path. Very glad I made some good choices back then...
Did your further study or career go exactly as you'd planned?
Generally, yes. There's been the odd hiccup, usually self-inflicted that were actually of benefit with distant hindsight.
What do you know now, that you wish you'd known when you were at Radford?
Service is the path to happiness. Self-involvement, while necessary in certain fields, will not sustain one as age sets in.
What advice do you have for current students?
If you seek the professions, you just have to do the work. It begins now and will seem endless as you progress through university and subsequent training, gaining a reputation and enough clout to finally feel secure. Then one day you'll sit on your pool deck, next to your chimenea with the neighbor's Labrador at your feet, typing advice for students of your alma mater and marvel at how well it's all gone and how very satisfying the journey.