HUMANS OF TRADEMUTT - HARRISON BATE

Humans of TradeMutt is a celebration of our community, shining a light on the incredible and relatable individuals who are leading by example and paving the way for others like them to feel supported to talk about the tough stuff. 

This is Harrison Bate. 
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G'day Legends, 

I have no clue where to start but after a few days of thinking about it, tonight I decided to sit down and write my story and why I love wearing these awesome shirts. So up to you if you want to have read... 

Howdy, my name is Harrison (Harry, Hazz) and this is my story. 

I'm 20 years old and from Brisbane, Queensland. I'm currently studying to become a Disability Support Professional so I can help others, especially people with disabilities as I myself have a disability. I was diagnosed with Asperger's when I was 12 in year 8. It was very hard on me as I had just entered high school and now had to deal with having a disability to my name but I was a trooper and carried on. 

All through primary school and high school I was that kid that was bullied the most. Year 10 was my breaking point. I’d refused to go to school because I was sick and tired of being punched daily. The school councillor was my best friend. My close mates were the ones that stuck up for me the most as I was mentally drained and got to the point where I wouldn't even realize I was getting bullied. 

Halfway through year 10, I decided to distract myself from the world and bought myself my first car as a project so I could keep myself busy and not let my thoughts overpower me. The start of year 11 was my turning point where I started to find myself again - the bullying died down a little bit and gave me a break. My mates have always been there for me and they knew when I was having a rough day. 

My twin brother Jordan had a rough life also as when we were born, he was diagnosed with a rare liver disease, so he grew up basically going in and out of hospitals. In 2015 he was accepted and approved to be put on the liver transplant list. We waited 18 months before we got that phone call. He received his gift of life - a liver transplant! The journey we embarked on was rough as guts for months as he ended up in a coma for a week and losing half his bowel. My mental state when downhill during this journey as I was scared that I was going to lose my brother. 

My pride and joy was my escape and the day I got my P's I surprised Jordan by parking my car at the top of the car park which he could view from his hospital room. That day I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. 

Since leaving high school (graduated yr. 12 in 2016) I got severe acne all over my face which made me want to hide away from the world. I spent most of my savings on skin appointments and Roaccutane to get my face looking acne-free. Through this time, I also went through a bad relationship which didn't help my self-esteem either. Since having no acne and now am single my mental health has been mostly perfect. I still have those days where I’m completely low and just want to hide away but haven't had many. 

Today, I have never been happier. Loving life (apart from isolation cause COVID things) I’m working for EG Fuel as a console operator (aka servo attendant) I am studying to become a DSP so I can help others. I've become a listener to my close friends who they could turn to for a deep-down chat. I’ve helped my mates and family get through their rough times. My twin brother is also in perfect health now and studying to become a paediatric nurse. 

So, when Trade-mutt first released their shirts they caught my eye and I started following. Seeing what these legends are doing has made me really happy. I thought "gotta a shirt!" 

I picked up some shirts a few months before Gympie Music Muster 2019. When I found out Trade Mutt was going to be there, I was beside myself as I wanted to tell them how much these shirts have got the conversation started with anyone who has asked me. I joined The Mutt Hutt about a month or two ago now and I’ve been watching some posts and all I can say is you are all amazing and you all are legends! One day I’m sure we'll all be sitting down for a beer or 2. 

I love being a part of this and getting the message out there. This makes me happy. I currently have 3 shirts and a hat, but my addiction hasn’t stopped there – I will be getting more when I can. 

The 120-grit podcast is great when I'm working or studying too! Love it! 

Cheers Legends! 

#YNWA 

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I was lucky enough to meet Harrison at the 2019 Gympie Muster and the bloke is a dead set legend. At the time, I didn't know anything about him or the depth of his story above. But it's fair to say that to play a small part in empowering this legend with the confidence write with so powerfully is what TradeMutt is all about. This is why we do what we do.

If you've got a 'Human of TradeMutt' story along with a cracking photo that you'd like to share, send us an email to hello@trademutt.com

Written by Harrison Bate and put together by Dan on behalf of the TraeMutt team.