Paddy
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I grew up in Kirikiriroa Hamilton with my four siblings and developed a passion for surfing, skateboarding, and jumping bmx bikes with my brother. While on my way to becoming a secondary school teacher through Waikato University I changed tack and instead launched into a career as a full-time beekeeper for over half a decade.
After being re-inspired by a short course at Outward Bound I yet again changed tack and returned to tertiary education, this time studying Outdoor Education at Tai Poutini Polytech in Greymouth. After graduating in 2018 I went straight into instructing at the Peel Forest Outdoor Pursuits Centre where I've since enjoyed instructing a wide range of activities, upskilling through industry qualifications, and being part of another great community.
What attracted you to working at OB?
For a long time I've been attracted to theories of learning and education, and I have an idea that positive changes to the personal, societal, economic, environmental, and political realms all start with some form of education.
My personal Outward Bound experience reminded me of what my values are, of the quality of living a life that's more closely aligned with my values, and inspired me that there's nothing stopping me to make changes but me. These inspirations were incredibly useful and lead me to discover outdoor education. I thought that if I could repay them forwards it would start to make a bigger difference than I had been making. Better people, better communities, better world.
What do you most enjoy about being an OB Instructor?
The culture here and the fundamentals of connection, compassion, resilience, and responsibility. Here they aren't just given lip service, but the whole organisation makes a true effort to walk the talk.
What’s your favourite OB meal?
Coming into the dining hall after massive days and being served a hot meal from the kitchen team who've put in the aroha and mahi while we've been out adventuring in the Sounds is absolutely gold, every time! Its a bonus that they're all really tasty!
If I wasn't an OB Instructor I'd be a…?
Instructing somewhere else!