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"I wanted my sons to feel they belonged to a community with longevity."

In many ways, the Yarra Spirit holds deeper meaning for Andrew Gaythorpe now than it did during his school years.

鈥淚 did the School tour for my boys who鈥檝e attended Yarra and I still felt that spirit as I walked around the grounds. I still felt welcomed and that I belonged.鈥�

Andrew remembers Grade 1 forays into the bushland surrounding the School with classmates who remain firm friends. At least once a year they reunite to reminisce and reflect on life post-school.

After graduating from Yarra, Andrew studied Psychology at La Trobe University. He found the transition to university smooth, thanks to skills learned at school such as the importance of routine and getting an early start in the day.

During his studies, Andrew worked part time at a pizza restaurant chain where he was spotted by the CEO. He was offered a management trainee position and ran restaurants before undertaking an MBA at Monash University, and venturing into the corporate retail world. This has culminated in his senior position at Australia Post.

Andrew鈥檚 role involves everything from selecting the right mix of retail products for the organisation鈥檚 3,000 licensees to offer their customers, to ensuring postal workers are supplied with sunscreen and uniforms. Throughout his career, Andrew has built a network of supportive contacts.

鈥淥ne of the best pieces of advice I was given was to not lose connections and to recognise the power of networking.鈥�

The School motto, Levavi Oculos, also still resonates with Andrew.

鈥淭here is so much around you in life. We shouldn鈥檛 become so focused on one thing that we lose sight of important things or can鈥檛 see other perspectives.鈥�

To share your Inspired by Yarra story email Rosie Brown, Director of Development on rosie.brown@yvg.vic.edu.au