Life beyond Radford
Michael George
- Bachelor Degree, UNSW@ADFA, Business, 2009-2011
- Diploma, Royal Military College, Duntroon, Military Leadership, 2012-2012
- Graduate Certificate, Griffith University, Finance
- Logistics Officer, Royal Australian Air Force , 2009-Present
What does life look for you now?
My wonderful family and I have moved to Canberra from Newcastle this year, on a new posting with the Air Force. Canberra is much closer to family, which has been a fantastic change for us.
Tell us what you are passionate about?
My young family is front and centre of my focus these days. My wife and I have two wonderful children, who are soon turning 3 and 1. I have found that being a parent truly focuses your life. Having less time has been a blessing in disguise, as I have begun dedicating myself to a few things, rather than having time to do a little of everything. My career, self development, study and cycling are my passions when I'm not busy being dad!
When you were young, what were you hoping to be when you grew up?
From memory I was a little clueless and toyed with the idea of a few different roles. I discovered a passion for sports science in year 11 upon commencing Human Movement class, and if I hadn't gone to ADFA I would have begun happily pursuing it as a career. From about year 9 I did always harbour an interest in joining the ADF however, which something I'm grateful for, as it's provided me endless opportunities and experiences.
What is your favourite Radford moment?
I'll always have memories of the little moments here and there, but I think year 9 camp will always stand out for me. It was something that threw us all outside of our comfort zones. As I've progressed through life I've come to understand more and more that true events of accomplishment and personal development always lie outside of where we're comfortable. Nerves, pressure, confusion and difficulty are all positive signs of progress, and failure should be celebrated as it merely marks a boundary to be crossed the next time.
Do you have a particular role model or inspirational figure from Radford or now?
I can't say I've ever singled out a particular role model. My experiences however have taught me that every person I interact with is a potential source of improvement for myself. Every teacher, instructor, peer and boss I've had have all been different, but I've been able to learn something from each of them to try and emulate in myself.
How easy was it to decide what to do in life?
Friends at school would tell me I was lucky, because I knew what I wanted to do when they were considering their options.
Did your further study or career go exactly as you'd planned?
Mostly, but not entirely. I've been grateful for the way it has turned out, however. I was initially very disappointed when I was told I couldn't do the roles in the Army I wanted to as I was colourblind, but in hindsight, the path I've been taken on is one I wouldn't change if I could.
Some say things have a way of working out, but everything is what you make of it.
What do you know now, that you wish you'd known when you were at Radford?
- If you're not uncomfortable, you're not growing.
- Failures present the best lessons in life, and should be cherished rather than feared. If you can embody this, you'll be unstoppable.
What advice do you have for current students?
The end of school can be a confusing time. You have the entire world to navigate as an adult, and it isn't getting any less complex. My advice would be:
- don't get lost searching for yourself; pick something and start building yourself. Lay the foundation. Learn how to learn. So when you find your passion, you've got the skills to build a masterpiece.
Anything else that you would like to share?
"The reason most people fail instead of succeed, is they trade what they want most, for what they want at the moment."
Things that are easily gained, rarely have any value.