What was your Ficino graduation year?

I graduated in 2015.

What have you been up to since you left Ficino School?

After Ficino I went to Auckland Grammar School, then down to Wellington to study at Victoria University. I graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Economics and Political Science. After uni I was offered a graduate role at Gallagher Insurance, and while there I worked towards my financial advisor certification. I’m now back in Auckland working as a commercial insurance broker at Gallagher’s head office.

Outside of work, rugby has been a big part of my life since leaving Ficino. I’ve played all the way through, and I’m now vice-captain of the College Rifles Under 85kg team.

What was your favourite subject at Ficino and why?

Geography. It came fairly naturally to me, but more than that, I just found it really interesting. I liked learning about how places, people and the environment all connect, and why different parts of the world are the way they are. Looking back, it probably sparked my interest in economics and politics too, and it’s definitely part of why I’m keen to travel and work overseas.

Favourite school meal (and least favourite)?

Favourite was the lentil dahl. Least favourite was probably the ‘green soup’. However, I definitely enjoyed most of the food!

Please share a vivid memory from your time at the school.

The Renaissance trip to Italy and England is the one that really stands out. Having spent so much time learning about the Renaissance in class, actually standing in front of the art and buildings we’d studied was something else. It made everything we’d learnt feel real. Travelling with my classmates and teachers at that age was a huge adventure, and it’s a trip I still talk about. It also gave me my first real taste of travel, which has stuck with me ever since.

Any plans or dreams for the future? 

I’d love to travel overseas and build my career in the insurance industry abroad, ideally in the UK or the USA. After a few years’ experience here, I’m keen to see how the industry works in a bigger market and take the chance to live somewhere new.

How do you think your time at Ficino has influenced you?

Ficino taught me how to get myself organised and ready to learn – to take responsibility for my own work rather than waiting to be told. That’s served me well at university and now at work. The small classes also meant I got used to speaking up, asking questions and getting to know people properly, which is a big part of my job as a broker.

If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give to 10-year-old Jack?

Don’t be in such a rush to grow up – enjoy it, because it goes quickly. Be curious, give things a go even when you’re not sure you’ll be good at them, and say yes to every opportunity to travel. And maybe give the green soup one more chance.