Where are they now? It’s always exciting to learn about what happened to past students of Otumotai College. Matt’s story show that an Otumoetai College education provides an important grounding for future endeavours.
Matt Lee What year did you graduate from Otumoetai College? 2009 Current job title / role? Performer How long have you been in this role: 12 years!! What is a lasting memory you have from your time at Otumoetai College? I have many fond memories from my time at Otumoetai College. One of my highlights will always be Drama with Sean Gaskell and Mandy Rowe. Both of them have a passion for the arts that was definitely transferred to me as a student, and I have no doubt that their high level of training set me up with strong foundations for my performance career. I adored being in the school productions each year, and have particularly strong memories playing Jekyll & Hyde in Jekyll & Hyde in 2009. My favourite drama memory is definitely of our trip to the UK with the year 12-13 drama classes in 2008. During our week in London we were lucky enough to see several shows. After seeing Jersey Boys we had the opportunity to speak with the cast in the Theatre after the show. It was a fantastic and inspiring experience for me, and one I really hope to be able to give back to students when I join the cast of Jersey Boys New Zealand this April. 40
What was your most valuable life lesson(s) learnt during your college years? Hard work definitely pays off. I don’t think you need to know your exact direction or have specific goals in place when you’re navigating your college years, however if you decide to give something a go, go for it with everything you have. That dedication you put in will quickly help you to find yourself and your passions.
