Life beyond Radford
Samantha Ristic
What does life look for you now?
Life for me now, is living in a small city in Czechia in Europe, called Brno. Brno has a similar population to Canberra of roughly 300,000 people so it is a comfortable new home for me. I am living and working here as an English teacher, every day brings new challenges and things to learn as life in Central Europe is much different to that of the nations capital in Australia. But that’s the what makes life here feel so rewarding. When I was at Radford, I never could I have imagined that this is where I would end up...
What is your favourite Radford moment?
My most endearing memory of my time at Radford was the following story: Mr Heath attended the school art show in 2012(maybe 2011) and saw some of my photographs that were being displayed of various Canberra landmarks. Mr Heath then asked to arrange a meeting with me to talk about purchasing some of my photographs for his wife’s birthday. I was so flattered that I offered to just give the photographs to him for free, but he said no and told me that ‘good, hard work should always be rewarded so you deserve to be paid for your work’. He ended up buying 3 images from me at $50 each. His words have always stuck with me and taught me to always value and take pride in my own work.
Do you have a particular role model or inspirational figure from Radford or now?
As mentioned above, Mr Heath left a lasting impression on me. In addition to this, my photography teacher Ms Mackey and my business teacher Ms Braithwaite were the two biggest inspirations for me when both choosing what to do at university and choosing to become a teacher. Ms Mackey really believed in me as a student and embraced my passion for photography and helped motivate me to make some of my proudest works. Ms Mackey was more than a teacher to me, but also a mentor who was not just there to support me in the classroom but also there during difficult emotional times. Ms Mackey was a teacher on the 2011 Europe Trip who became more than a teacher to me, but also a friend who was there to console me through some difficult times. Her kindness to me has always been an inspiration for me when teaching my own students, hopefully with the same passion, drive and empathy she gave to me. Not only this but since finishing at Radford Ms Mackey attended my graduating exhibition at ANU School of Art when I finished my Photomedia degree. I can only hope to motivate my students in the same way she motivated me to strive for what I was passionate about. In addition to this Ms Braithwaite was a huge inspiration to me during my time at Radford and since, at university. Ms Braithwaite consistently gave me extra help outside of regular class time during lunch and free periods in order to help me with things I missed or didn’t understand. Again showing a true sense of care and empathy as Mr Heath and Ms Mackey had both done. All throughout my Visual Arts degree at ANU, I chose to add business units into my degree, while everyone else chose extra art related units. This is because Ms Braithwaite awoke my passion for business during my time at Radford and since I have found my choice to continue studying business to be a very rewarding one. Ms Braithwaite taught in a way that was perfect for my mind and the way that I learn - I am yet to find another teacher since leaving Radford who can help me to understand things that way she could. If I had had a different teacher during my last years of school, I’m positive I wouldn’t have discovered the same passion for business that I’ve had since leaving Radford.
How easy was it to decide what to do in life?
I don't think it is ever easy for anyone, even if they think they know what they want to do!
Did your further study or career go exactly as you'd planned?
Not so far, but I've been enjoying every moment along the way!
What do you know now, that you wish you'd known when you were at Radford?
That everything happens for a reason.
What advice do you have for current students?
Don't stress about your future too much, life will change in so many ways once you finish school - just make sure your work towards accomplishing anything you feel passionate about!
Anything else that you would like to share?
I was Karri house captain during my last year (2012) at Radford also since leaving Radford, I worked in the OSHC programme at Radford Primary school which still stands today to be one of the best jobs I’ve ever had - full of loving, caring and kind hearted staff to support and motivate you.