I attended Freyberg from 2019 to 2021—not the full five years, but I definitely got heaps out of those three years.

Some of my most memorable experiences would have to be becoming Manawatū House Captain in 2021—such a fun experience leading the best school house. Playing in the First XV rugby team and Senior A basketball team all three years at Freyberg was also a highlight. There were plenty of highs and lows through different tournaments and school exchanges, but those were my favorite parts of school. It was such a great way to make new friends and gave the juniors something to look forward to when they became seniors.

Sadly, due to COVID, the Business Studies Europe trip was canceled, which would have been an awesome highlight of high school. But I can’t complain, as Freyberg provided so many other great class trips. Some of my favorites were the Geography trip to the Waitomo Caves, the Tourism trip to Rotorua, and the PE trip to Tongariro—experiences with classmates and teachers that I’ll never forget.

I had so many different teachers who helped me learn and grow, but one who had the biggest influence on me—both during and after school—was Pa Josh, better known as Josh Hurn. He has sadly passed away now but will never be forgotten. Pa Josh was our Senior A basketball coach in 2020 and 2021, leading us to the finals in 2020 and an undefeated season in 2021. He was also one of the teachers on the PE Tongariro trip, so we didn’t just have the usual student-teacher relationship. Me and the basketball boys grew a close brotherhood bond with him, and I’m grateful to have experienced so much with him. He was one of the most fun, hardworking, and encouraging people you’d ever meet—not to mention, he had the most contagious laugh.

As well as rugby and basketball, I got really involved in extracurricular activities, playing volleyball, touch rugby, and even being part of boys’ netball tournaments for Freyberg.

Since leaving Freyberg, I’ve kept up with sports, playing rugby in Canterbury for three years while working at Ballantynes Department Store—some may know it from its infamous fire. After tearing my meniscus in the 2024 season, I moved back to Palmerston North, where I’m playing basketball again and gaining work experience before hopefully joining the Police.

If I could go back and tell my high school self one thing, it would be to just do it—take the risk, say yes to opportunities, and try everything while you can. High school went by so fast, and life speeds up even more once you’re out. But I can definitely say I’ve kept all the good memories from those years.

Since finishing school, I’ve stayed in touch with lots of my friends and classmates, and a few of them are still my best mates who I see every week. Social media has made it way easier to stay connected with everyone from high school, which is great for seeing where people end up.

I think it’s a great idea to join the Freyberg alumni community as a past student—it’s a good way to keep up with what’s happening at the school and see how other alumni are doing. Whether it’s seeing people’s achievements or finding out about reunions, I reckon in 20 years it’ll be awesome to catch up and see where my classmates are at.