Words By Terri Quinn
Educator, Jade Andrews was a self-confessed social butterfly at high school while her younger brother Marc, a musician, was driven to achieve. But post-school experiences have taught them important lessons about life, family and the transformative power of education.
Jade and Marc grew up at Burrill Lake, with older brother Dean, in a home filled with love and music. Their father, Gary, played the guitar and was always up for a sing-along. “Both the boys picked up the guitar but it never stuck for me,” says Jade. “When dad tried to teach me, it lasted for the length of ‘Smoke on the Water’ and that was it!”
At St Mary’s primary school in Milton, the siblings thrived in the small-school environment and shone in leadership roles. Jade believes that being school captain set her up with the public speaking skills that she utilises today and Marc acknowledges drumming lessons as being pivotal to his interest in music.
As they progressed to Ulladulla High School, Jade’s focus was more around friends, touch football games and lunchtime laughter. She chose subjects based almost purely on her social life. “There were some good grades, some quite ordinary grades and minimal effort,” she admits. “My life as an average student was enjoyable, but my aspirations were quite low.”
In contrast, Marc was inspired to do well academically. “Funnily enough I didn’t take music as an elective at high school,” he says. “I thought I should do hard subjects like physics because they would get me better marks for entry to university.”
Marc continued to practice and play guitar and Jade has vivid memories of him performing in front of a large audience at Exposure, a performing arts night at the school. “Mum and I were sitting there feeling nervous for him … but he came out and smashed it! From then on he was never without a guitar in his hand.”
By Year 11, Jade was cruising into her senior years without a clear plan for the future. “I had completely wiped the prospect of going to university. I believed it was only for the smart kids, the ATAR* kids.”
I had completely wiped the prospect of going to university. I believed it was only for the smart kids, the ATAR* kids.”
After completing her HSC in 2009 Jade was working at AKWA surf shop in Milton when she received a call from a neighbour who worked at IMB in Ulladulla. The bank was offering a traineeship and the neighbour thought Jade was the perfect candidate. Jade quickly pulled a resume together, attended an interview and within weeks she was inducted as a trainee.
“I loved the job, the people and the environment. Every day I was learning new skills and knowledge, while also studying for a Certificate IV in Business and Finance,” says Jade. “I was highly motivated and growing more confident each day.” Months later, Jade was awarded IMB Trainee of the Year, and less than two years later, at the age of 20, she was in an Assistant Manager role.
Meanwhile, Marc’s HSC results saw him accepted into law at the University of Wollongong (UOW) but a conversation with his mum about his future led to a rethink. “I didn’t really have any drive to be a lawyer,” says Marc. “Mum knew I was more of a creative soul and turns out, she was spot on.”
Sadly in 2011 life was turned upside down when Jade and Marc’s adored mum, Mary, was diagnosed with cancer. After she passed away, less than a year later, Marc felt he needed to pursue his creative passions and enrolled in film school. He also began composing original guitar pieces. “Making my own music was a different direction and I found it so much more rewarding,” he says.
Jade needed time to regather emotionally so she and her partner Mike headed to South East Asia for six months. While there, the idea of a career change began to take shape. Social work and teaching were of interest but both required a university degree. She needed to leap into higher education, but as the first in her family to do so, she was unsure where to start or even if it was possible.
It was important to stay local so she decided to give the Batemans Bay campus of UOW a call. “When the person on the other end of the phone asked for my ATAR, I crumbled. I thought it would be the end of the conversation … but they offered me a different pathway and I was soon enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts.”
“University for me was a chance to redefine my non-ATAR status and with quite a lot of self-pressure and determination, that’s what I did.” When Jade graduated in 2016, with a High Distinction average, one of her lecturers suggested she apply for a role that was opening up at the campus. In January 2017 Jade commenced work as Regional Career Consultant. She also manages the Outreach program engaging with over 2000 students a year in South Coast schools to support their educational aspirations.
After completing his Advanced Diploma of Australian Media, Marc headed off on the first of many overseas trips. The excitement and challenges of travel sharpened his understanding of his place in the world and also provided inspiration for his music.
By 2018, he had written ten songs and decided to ask friend Mitch Fa’oa to sing them. As West Wind, the duo released the songs to positive feedback from family and friends and a live gig at Cupitt’s saw them well received by a wider local audience.
The addition of locals Mark Beasley and Zack Lucas has seen the band performing their blend of live instrumentation and electronica at a range of South Coast venues. Last year Marc achieved a personal goal when his song ‘River’ was played on the radio and in January the band dropped their first EP Sundown to positive reviews.
Jade has long admired Marc’s talent and commitment to his music. And Marc credits Jade with inspiring him to become a high school music teacher. “Music makes Marc happy,” says Jade. “Studying online will enable him to further his education while providing the flexibility to pursue his passion.”
“When mum passed away Jade just naturally took over and looked after us,” says Marc. “She was only two years older than me but she helped with everything. And now she’s helping me settle into uni.”
Last year, ten years after leaving Ulladulla High, Jade was invited back to address the school community at their presentation night. She took the opportunity to reflect on what’s been at the heart of her success and she attributes it to engaging in education … not only formal education but also the learning opportunities that are available in everyday life.
This brother and sister team has supported each other through grief and celebrated each other’s successes. Wherever their paths lead, you can be sure they’ll be open to all opportunities for personal growth and commit to them whole-heartedly.
*Australian Tertiary Admission Rank