Life beyond Radford
Sophie Pennington
What does life look for you now?
I have been living in Melbourne for 20 years. I have a lovely husband and two kids, Harriet (12) and Nicky (6). I work as a health lawyer which I love (but would happily swap if some money dropped from the sky...)
Tell us what you are passionate about?
I love being a Mum, I consider myself pretty lucky to have two health children. I also feel lucky to have a job that I really enjoy (it hasn't always been that way) and where I feel I contribute something on a broader level. I love sport (despite failing PE all the way through Raddo) and joined a Women's amateur AFL team this year as the granny player.
When you were young, what were you hoping to be when you grew up?
I think I wanted to be a nurse or a hairdresser, but to be honest didn't give it much thought.
What is your favourite Radford moment?
Probably not the Year 9 camp, but in some ways that was a defining moment in learning that I had a bit more inner strength than I thought. The best times at Radford were the early years with Mr McKinnon and Mr Wigg.
Do you have a particular role model or inspirational figure from Radford or now?
A couple, but I'd say Ros Brydie and Richard Tate. They both had faith that I could do something despite the fact I didn't apply myself and was pretty immature. Their support was really invaluable later in life - when I hit university - and decided I did in fact want to apply myself.
How easy was it to decide what to do in life?
Pretty easy. I am fascinated by the law, and after 20 years still love it because every day is a new day, with every case being different.
Did your further study or career go exactly as you'd planned?
No, it never does. I started with a Bachelor of Japanese Studies at ANU, finished that (including a year in Japan at Gakushuin University), and then realised I wasn't cut out for teaching or DFAT, so trotted off to Sydney to study law as a graduate. I didn't get my first proper job until I was 25 so it was a lengthy process.
What do you know now, that you wish you'd known when you were at Radford?
If you don't study in year 7 and 8, especially maths and science, you'll make it impossible for yourself in years 9-12. You probably won't catch up. That said, the results you get at school don't have to determine your ultimate future, you might just have to work that bitter harder when you leave school if you've approached the 6 years as a bit of a social holiday..
What advice do you have for current students?
Enjoy your time at school, and your friends, because it goes quickly and many of the friendships you form will endure for years to come which is particularly special.