Alumni Interviews

Noel Aruliah (WS 2016)

What years did you attend Waverley Christian College?

2011-2016

What or who motivated you at the College? What is your fondest memory of your years as a Waverley student?

Mr Davidson and the late Miss Woon, who taught Geography, were a huge influence on me. They encouraged us to think broadly about the world and beyond our immediate surroundings. Some of my fondest memories come from those Geography classes, especially playing GeoGuessr on the computer, a game where a city name would appear and you had to guess where it was on a world map. The competition between the boys was intense! I still remember winning one round and Miss Woon buying me KFC afterwards. I think Mr Davidson still owes me a Maccas prize as well!

What are the biggest challenges you have faced since leaving the College?

One of the biggest challenges has been navigating what it means to be a believer in the wider world, where the environment is very different to school. My faith has grown significantly since leaving Waverley it has truly become my own. I’m incredibly grateful for the seeds that were planted during those formative years.

What goals did you set for yourself when you finished at WCC, and have you stuck to that plan?

Some of my high-level goals were to find a wife, date in a Christ-honouring way and get married, and I’ve been blessed to marry Faith Sequeira (WS 2017), who also attended WCC!

I always wanted to run my own business, and it’s been incredibly fulfilling to see that dream become a reality today.

I also used to dream of visiting 100 countries in my lifetime. Over time, I realised I didn’t need to fulfil that dream, and it’s been freeing to learn how to let go of certain goals as well.

What drew you to your area of work or study and what do you love about it?

Like many immigrants, my parents came to Australia with not much and worked hard to build a life for themselves. Watching their sacrifice taught me the value of hard work and making the most of opportunities. I truly believe Australia is one of the most blessed countries in the world, and that we have the opportunity not only to provide for our families, but also to create wealth and be deeply generous.

Our mission at Good Steward Finance Group is to change how our generation approaches money, with a vision to create ‘Generations of Generous Aussies’. What I love most is seeing the joy on people’s faces when they’re educated and empowered to buy their first or next home, and when they realise they can do far more with their money than they ever thought possible.

You can find out more about Good Steward Finance Group at the following links:

• Website: https://www.goodstewardfg.com.au/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodstewardfg
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noelaruliah/

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Begin with the end in mind. If it doesn’t have eternal value, what’s the point?

What excites you most about the future?

The incredible potential we have as a community to impact the world through the finance of this country, if we decide to steward it well.

What advice do you have for current students?

Find people in the world who are where you want to be in five, ten, twenty, even fifty years' time and learn from them. Doing this myself has changed my life.

Any additional comments?

Make the most of time, it’s on your side. You can play your part in making the world a better place.