Life After Padua
Jarrod Phillips Class of 2006
What did you do straight after graduating?
As soon as I finished my VCE at Padua in 2006, I was determined to follow my dream of studying Physiotherapy. Fortunately, I received a first round offer into the Bachelor of Physiotherapy at La Trobe University in Bundoora and that is where I spent the next four years of my life.
How did you find the transition from Padua College to University?
At that time, most of my friends had taken a Gap Year after Year 12 and were posting amazing photos of their travels, whereas I found myself putting in long hours at the desk trying to learn the very complicated human anatomy. Initially, I thought University might be a little more relaxed and stress-free than I found Year 12, but with a total of seven Exams following my 1st Semester I soon realized how wrong I was!
What do you love about your career choice?
Seeing some patients walk through the door in excruciating and debilitating pain and after thirty minutes having them shake your hand and thanking you for getting them moving again. This is the best part of my job. I consider myself very lucky to be doing what I do right here in beautiful Mornington.
What are the challenges of your career choice?
Physically it’s pretty demanding. My thumbs can get quite sore at times as I try my best to relieve tension in people’s muscles and joints. Also the paperwork and notes which we are legally required to complete after each patient consult, does test out my sitting tolerance too!
What or who was the most significant influence on your career choice?
Definitely my aunty. She is an experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapist and owns her own clinic. When I was in year six I required physio after a surfing injury and she got me back to running and playing tennis, with the best possible treatment and rehabilitation. From that moment on I knew this was the right career for me.
If you were to sum up what your time at Padua taught you, what would it be?
Respect, dedication, persistence and that anything can be achieved if you are willing to work hard for it.
What advice would you give to a student that is in their finishing years at Padua?
Don’t doubt yourself and dream big! I think far too many young people talk themselves out of setting the bar high to avoid failure. If something doesn’t work the first time, learn from your mistakes and try again. Keep trying until you achieve your ultimate goal.
Do you still see or are friends with your mates from Padua?
I sure do. A couple of my best friends from Padua are still my best friends today. Life has separated us all at various times since Padua but when we catch up it feels like I saw them just yesterday.
What do you get up to in your spare time, what do you like to do for fun?
I am a very keen cross-country mountain biker. I find it incredibly useful for not only my physical fitness but also for maintaining my mental health. I ride next to kangaroos, echidnas and Kookaburras twice a week through Arthurs Seat State Park. I also love playing tennis. I am a member of Mornington Tennis Club and play weekly competition.
Along the way, what challenges have you hit personally or professionally?
Finding the right clinic for me after graduating was my biggest challenge. I quickly realized that different employers had very different expectations and demands on their staff and it took me a few years to find the right place for me. I soon discovered that the smaller the workplace, the more comfortable and confident I felt.
What is one of the highlights of your life so far?
Being a part of the recent opening of Sports Sense Physio in Mornington. We are a small yet experienced Physio clinic that is wanting to be the number one trusted choice for the people of Mornington.
Everyone is welcome at Sports Sense Physio and people can expect expert injury assessment and treatment when they see us.
Amy Bongiorno
Alumni Relations & Development Co-ordinator
