Peaks of Curiosity
Alumni Stories—Jack Celestino
What path did you follow after you graduated from SMGS? How did you become interested in that pathway (education, career, interest)?
Ever since I was ten years old, I was a passionate aviator. I chose to finish my high school years in the boarding house at SMGS as my family lived overseas at the time and I wanted to get a head start on becoming independent back in Australia. I was also interested in the aviation program SMGS had to offer.
Approaching the end of my time at SMGS, I was one of the very few selected to interview for the Jetstar Cadet Pilot Program. I travelled to Melbourne for the interview but, just prior to finishing my HSC, I was informed that I was unsuccessful in the selection process. This was a hard pill to swallow as I had always wanted to fly and after receiving this information I almost felt as if I weren’t good enough to pursue a career in the cockpit.
My back-up plan was to join the police force and so I put an application in shortly after graduating. It took almost two years of the recruiting and selection process before I was finally accepted. I went through the Victoria Police Academy and I was an active duty officer for approximately one year before I was given another opportunity to join a cadet pilot program, this time for an air carrier overseas. So … I took it!
What is your current occupation, organisation and position?
I am currently a Captain at Flexjet, based in the USA, flying private jets.
What is the biggest source of motivation for your career and life pursuits?
At first, when I joined this industry, my biggest source of motivation was to get into a job that I absolutely loved. I wanted to be an individual that felt like it wasn’t ‘work’ at work. As I have aged and matured in both life and my career in aviation, my motivation source has shifted slightly. I am now motivated by my kids; I strive to set an example that, with enough hard work and determination, you can do just about anything. With many hurdles thrown in my way, I wanted to fly and that’s what I have worked towards.
How did your time at SMGS help you in your journey to your current career and life pursuits?
When I first toured SMGS, I was introduced to Phil Ryrie. I was told Phil would be my mentor to assist me in adjusting to the new schooling system, and that he was also the teacher running the aviation program. I looked up to Phil throughout my time at SMGS; his passion for aviation was like no other. His motivation to teach and assist fellow students really ignited my own motivation to pursue aviation outside of school and eventually into a career.
What are some of your most memorable moments from your time at SMGS?
Being a boarder, some of my most memorable moments were those of life in the boarding house. I was elected Boarding Captain in my final year at SMGS. Building rapport with the other boarders was great, yet challenging at times. As one would know, in a school environment there definitely are different social groups. I really enjoyed bringing all the groups together within the boarding community through organised events and felt I was accepted into each individual group.
What advice would you give to students who are beginning their HSC journey and starting to think about their future after they graduate?
Some advice that I would give to current HSC students is that if you really try your hardest, it’s okay to fail. It’s okay not to get what you were hoping for the first time around. But most importantly, not to stop there. To keep trying, to try and identify what went wrong and focus on that for the next attempt. I was rejected in my first attempt at a flying career. It set me back four years before I started flight training and, looking back, I’m glad it did. I travelled the world, worked in a variety of different fields and industries, including hospitality, construction and law enforcement. I was able to gain priceless life experience before finally having an opportunity to build a career in aviation.
What does it mean to you to be a part of the SMGS Alumni/Old Scholars community?
To be part of the SMGS alumni community makes me feel part of a tight-knit family. SMGS has definitely expanded over the years since I attended and I look forward to visiting sometime in the future.