I Remember When with Milton Rendell

I remember when the reality hit me that I would no longer be going to high school.

That is something many local children, now young adults, will be facing this week at the completion of their Year 12 exams.

In my time they were called the TEE or TAE exams which happened during the month of November.

I think today, more students stay on for Years 11 and 12 than in my time back in the ‘70s.

Many of my friends left after Year 10 starting apprenticeships at the Midland Railways.

An old mate of mine Peter Di Marco was one of those guys and he took up an apprenticeship as a boiler maker with his dad – it was common for families to have a couple of generations working at the railways.

In our time, our Year 12 exams were pretty cut throat as your results determined whether you went to university or not.

For many it was a nervous wait for the mail in late December or early January to know how you did.

Now the exam results are online but also your results during the year have a greater input for your final assessment.

The exams still are important but I think a fairer system exists today.

I have four daughters who have all gone through to Year 12.

Exam time is a stressful time in most households, not only for students but also for parents it is quite an emotional ride.

You want your child to do well but keeping the balance is tough as you want to show support but you don’t want to put pressure on them.

You know they don’t mean it when they snap, it’s just part of the journey but some days it feels a long one.

Reflecting back to my exams, it does feel at times like the world is watching with so many opinions on what you should do after Year 12.

It’s also a huge period of change, with students having to decide whether to get a job or continue to study and what pathway to take.

There is also the realisation that your circle of friends will change, your comfort zone has gone and your routine has turned upside down.

The day after the exams I remember thinking, well that’s done what the hell do I do now.

However I knew what I really wanted was to make something happen, make my parents proud and some serious money would be nice as well.

Mind you, I had a few parties to go to first.

We didn’t have leavers like they do today, just a few parties in people’s yards and they faded away quickly as we started work and university.

It was a fun, stressful and sad time all in a short period.

Mostly it was the time we entered the adult world and I am not sure many knew what that really meant.

If you have any memories like mine, email memories@realestateplus.com.au.

Milton Rendell, chief executive officer Real Estate Plus