Where are you originally from?

I am originally from Vanuatu, South West of Pacific.  Half my childhood was spent on my home Island of Paama, (Malampa Province) in the Central Part of Vanuatu.  For the majority of the time though, I grew up and worked in Port Vila.

Why did you choose to study in Bendigo, and at Bendigo TAFE?

I wanted to come to Bendigo to study so that I could live with my Australian Grandmother and Mother.  I had been here for 6 months on a holiday visa and fell in love with the town.  I made many friends and just felt really accepted so, decided I would like to study in Bendigo.

What courses have you studied/are you studying?

Prior to studying at TAFE, I completed a few short computer courses at Continuing Education.  I then studied to become a Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor (Master Trainer) at Lifestyle Gymnasium in Bendigo – studying through the Australian Institute of Fitness.  Since commencing at Bendigo TAFE, I have studied 15 weeks of English, I have also completed Certificate I and II in Information Technology (IT) and am currently completing Certificate III.

Have you enjoyed your studies?

I have really enjoyed my studies at Bendigo TAFE. I have made many, many friends and have found all the lecturers and staff to be very friendly and helpful.

What do you hope your study will help you to achieve?

I am not only hoping to achieve a career in IT within the Aviation Industry but am also hoping to become a permanent resident of Australia.

Are you working while you are studying?

Yes, while I am studying during the school term I am working part time at B ‘n’ B, Basil and Mint.  In the school holidays, I am able to work full time.  I love this job and my Boss is really cool.  I have made many friends here also.  My Boss employs 31 people, a lot of whom are students.

Can you tell us about your aviation studies and your flying experiences?

While I was on my Holiday Visa I spent a lot of time at the Bendigo Flying School studying for my license in RAA.  This involved a lot of theory work and exams as well as a lot of practical – hands on – flying.  In 2011 I am planning to study for my GAA License.  Eventually I hope to become a Commercial Pilot.

A little bit of experience - For my Navigation Training I was required to fly from Bendigo to Boort, then to Pyramid Hill, then to Echuca and from there to Shepparton.  At Shepparton I decided to turn back for Echuca as I felt I was running out of light (no daylight savings).  I landed in Echuca and re-wrote my flight plan to Bendigo. 10 minutes later, when I took off, 10 miles out of Echuca and 4,000 feet high, my engine failed and I had to land in a paddock South West of Echuca (near Rochester).  The Aircraft was intact and so was I!  My Instructors and fellow pilots were all happy with my quick response in landing and contacting them.