Ben Egan in Cotton at Kiameron, Warren NSW
Introducing Ben Egan, 6th Generation farmer from Warren, NSW and former Riverview boy. This year Ben has been chosen as one of Art4Agriculture and Cotton Australia’s 2013 Young Farming Champions. As part of this program, Ben has joined a network of young people who share a passion to tell others about the pivotal role Australian farmers play in feeding the world. Ben’s story is a great example of how the knowledge and skills you learn at boarding school can help you professionally and personally in later life.
What boarding school did you go to?
St Ignatius College (Riverview), Sydney
What was your best experience at Boarding School?
Standing on a mates shoulders in front of the entire school fireing up the crowd and leading war cries at the GPS athletics carnivals in which we won for the third yr running. As well as at each 1st XV rugby match and other sporting events.
Who was the most influential person for you at Boarding School?
During the early years (year 7/8/9), the year 11/12 boarders were people who I looked up to. Some of them were family friends, others coached us at rugby and rowing. Even though I was a cheeky young fella, I always admired them talking to us and interacting and giving us advice about the years to come.
What are you doing now?
I am now working full time on our family farm at Warren where we grow irrigated cotton, winter cereals and breed Hereford cattle.
Has anything you learnt at boarding school helped you with your current career?
Boarding school has provided me with great people skills and leadership, giving me the ability to manage employees as well as the ability to address large crowds and public speaking. Maths, Science, Design and Tech and Agriculture subjects have all played their part in helping me get to where I am today.
Any advice for young kids going to boarding school?
- Don’t be afraid, be excited! Boarding school is some of the best days of your life.
- Don’t let an opportunity pass by, have a go at everything there is to offer.
- Learn a language- it could take you around the world.
- Choose a sport/subject that you wouldn’t normally pick.
- Set your goals and work to achieve them.
- And always thank your parents for this opportunity!
