OGA News
From Music Tutor to Legal Professional: The Journey of a Girtonian Lawyer
In a world where career paths often take unexpected twists and turns, there are individuals who defy the conventional trajectory and embrace the opportunities that come their way. Meet Will Griffin, a lawyer hailing from Frew House and Girton's graduating class of 2015.
While his journey began with a passion for music and science, fate had a different plan. Today, he stands as a prominent figure in the legal landscape, with a passion for justice and advocating for those in need.
With a solid educational foundation from Girton, Will embarked on his academic journey at La Trobe University. After studying Biology, Chemistry, Further Maths, Business Management, English Language, Music Styles and Composition, his career path seemed destined for the scientific or musical realm. However, life had surprises in store, leading him to pursue tertiary studies in law and business. Little did he know that these seemingly 'odd choices' would shape his future in ways he never anticipated.
Since leaving Girton, Will has woven a tapestry of experiences, ranging from being a music tutor and volunteering at a community legal centres to taking on leadership roles within the legal and university community.
“I was Chair of the Bendigo Student Association (BSA) during a changing era in the university sector with some very difficult, political and financial circumstances that placed significant pressure on the organisation, its staff and therefore the students it served,” said Will.
“The BSA was responsible for the student life and essential student services at the Bendigo campus at La Trobe….couple those issues with the beginning of a pandemic and you had the perfect storm.”
Will was inspired by the challenges faced by Girton itself in 1992 and 1993, which strengthened his determination to find a better way and support the needs of students. Will along with a project team sought to find a better way and together embarked on a road trip across La Trobe's campuses, engaging with students and crafting a vision for a unified and robust association that was sustainable and could support students across the State. The La Trobe Student Association was born from these challenges and the small project team was tasked with the writing of the company constitution, company policies and procedures, and hiring of some 20 staff to ensure students at La Trobe had a strong and viable organisation that could deliver student services across the state.
“I am proud to say that organisation still runs to this day and continues fulfilling the mission of making student life better for students in Albury, Mildura, Shepparton, Bendigo and Melbourne,” said Will.
Today, as a lawyer, Will finds great fulfillment in his work, particularly within the realm of family law.
“I enjoy my work as it affects people’s lives deeply,” he said. “I am passionate about taking a connected partnership with clients, instilling them with the assurance and confidence to advance their lives beyond their legal issues.”
It is through his passion for justice and his dedication to making a positive impact that he continues to shape the lives of those he represents.
Life after Girton has been filled with transformative experiences and personal growth. Alongside his professional achievements, Will has travelled the world, exploring new cultures and forging lasting connections. In August, he plans to embark on a solo journey to the UK, where he will reunite with fellow Girtonians and create memories that further strengthen the bonds formed during their time at School.
Will’s journey from Girton to becoming a lawyer today exemplifies the essence of embracing unexpected opportunities. His diverse experiences, determination and passion for justice have shaped his career and left a lasting impact on the lives of those he serves.
Will’s story serves as a reminder that the most remarkable journeys often begin with embracing unexpected opportunities.
What Evie Crawford and Satya Jeveri (Year 12 Jenkin 2019) are up to
During the recent school holidays, Ms Barton and Mrs Wastell received a wonderful email from former students Evie Crawford and Satya Jeveri who are both studying at Monash University. It's awesome to know what alumni students are achieving and how their journey through Girton has helped them. Here's what Evie wrote:
Hi Ms Barton and Mrs Wastell!!
How are you both? How have you been enjoying school holidays? Satya and I just wanted to give you a little bit of an update of what we have been up to since we graduated because we recently teamed up for some small projects. We are both studying electrical engineering at Monash, and Satya is doubling in computer science. We lost track of each other for a few years, but happened to end up in some of the same units this semester so we paired up for a couple of projects. One project was an investigation into JPEG and the algorithms it uses to compress photos for storage or transmission. Satya led that report, it involved a lot of coding and image processing and he spent a very long time on google making sure he understood the whole process inside out. The other project was to design an analogue electrical circuit to complete a task of our choosing. We decided to create a dolphin detector. Entirely random, but a dolphin whistle is very convenient 7 – 15kHz which turns out to be a very kind frequency for filtering. Or perhaps that is a complete coincidence and we have both acquired a deep passion for dolphins, take your pick. I led this one, and designed most of the circuit and then had lots of fun trying to make first the simulations and then the prototype actually work.
I have attached a photo of us with our completed dolphin detector prototype. We just thought you might like to know that the kiddos you saw every morning for 4-5 years are still out there making trouble together, but this time armed with electricity and the knowledge to use it!! Thank you for all those mornings, I will always remember the jokes and homemade goodies that made our mornings better than the other house tutors’.
You should also know that this year we are both living in the same residential hall on campus, and guess what our hall colour is? Orange!!
Thanks, Evie.
Save the date!
The OGA reunions have been set for 2023. If you know past students or teachers from these cohorts, please help spread the word about these enjoyable events. Bookings for our reunions can be made via www.trybooking.com
Class of 2022
1-Year Reunion
Friday 1 December
GPO Bar and Restaurant, Courtyard
Class of 2018
5-Year Reunion
Saturday 9 September
The Rifle Brigade, Brewery Room
Class of 2003
20-Year Reunion
Saturday 29 July
Brougham Arms Hotel
Class of 1993
30-Year Reunion
Saturday 19 August
Brougham Arms Hotel
Class of 1983
40-Year Reunion
Saturday 29 July
Brougham Arms Hotel
Class of 1973
50-Year Reunion
Friday 20 October
Morning tea and optional School Tour
Followed by lunch at the National
Class of 1963
60-Year Reunion
Friday 3 November
Morning tea and optional School Tour
Followed by lunch at the National