Alumni in profile
Diploma of Teaching (Primary) 1987 and
Bachelor of Education (Primary Post Int.) 1989
I chose Deakin because...
I wanted to become a teacher, and the Melbourne Football Club recruiting manager knew one of the lecturers there and they offered me a place.
After leaving uni...
I taught part- time in two schools for a year then went into the business world.
At uni I was inspired...
To teach but not limited to a classroom.
I am currently...
Working on growing Reach interstate. I am also involved in a small business with my brother and I’m President of the Melbourne Football Club.
Today, I am motivated by...
My family and the young leaders at Reach.
In my profession it is important...
To have integrity and make decisions even if they are not popular.
Professionally, my proudest achievement is...
Being part of the growth of the Reach Foundation. I never dreamed I would be living such a privileged life.
I feel a strong connection with...
Supporting young people who are feeling a bit lost. This is important because not everyone is able to connect with these types of kids and I believe I have been given a small gift to share.
Success to me is...
Feeling happy with who you are and waking up every morning and feeling privileged.
In the future I would like to...
Keep travelling and share the successes and failures with my kids.
The single-most important issue in the world is...
Education because not everyone gets the opportunity.
* Jim Stynes is co-founder of the Reach Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation set up to provide ‘safe spaces’ and a positive peer group experience for young people. For more information visit www.reach.org.au.
