By Brigid Muir
Noosa State High School student Michael was set on his future career path in Year 7 when he discovered the weather station outside the school library.
Michael spent lunchtimes collecting weather data from the station he named Dorothy after the weather research device in the film Twister.
Teacher Wendy McGorrery organised the school to gift Michael Dorothy after he completed Year 8 and moved to NDSHS’s Senior Campus at Cooroy.
Michael enjoys using Dorothy to teach staff and students about the weather.
Michael takes Dorothy with him to school and on the weekends when he tracks and chases storms.
“I had to replace the wind scoops with ping pong balls after she was hit by hail one afternoon,” Michael said.
Michael hopes to one day become the next Higgins Storm Chaser.
“Unfortunately, I don’t have the maths to be a meteorologist, but I have the passion for weather. I am autistic, but that won’t stop me from achieving my dreams. I’m a good talker, a good communicator and I love storms,” Michael said.
Money is the main impediment for Michael achieving his dream job.
“I would really like someone to sponsor me so I can earn a living from my passion. I’d really like someone like Higgins to take me on,” Michael said.
A career in the navy and working as a boilermaker are Michael’s back-up plans.
