Ready For The World | Madelyn Richards (CGS 2025)

To be “ready for the world” doesn’t mean having the answer to every problem life will throw at you; it means having the courage to seek those answers. Since Year 7, Canberra Grammar School has shaped me into a balanced and adaptive person, prepared to take my next step in life through both academic and co-curricular successes. I may not be the smartest student to have walked these grounds, but I am immensely grateful for the way this School has guided me to success across both my academic and musical journey. Together, these experiences have been crucial in shaping who I am and preparing me for the future.

Academically, the school has strengthened my problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills. Over the years, I’ve achieved academic success across the board, thanks to the unwavering support of my teachers, who allowed me to grow. From academic excellence awards to gold effort certificates, my intellectual development has flourished in this environment. Yet, those achievements didn’t come in isolation. The pastoral care of our House system, the support of department heads, and the strong, positive relationships I’ve built with teachers have all helped me develop vital study habits and strong self-management. CGS has been instrumental in nurturing not only my academic confidence but also my overall approach to learning and growth.

Life beyond school demands the ability to collaborate, lead, and connect meaningfully with others. My time at CGS has taught me that real leadership is about earning trust, inspiring growth, and working as a team. Whether it was as a Year 11 Senior supporting Year 7 students or as Burgmann Vice House Captain, these leadership opportunities have strengthened my ability to communicate, build relationships, and lead with empathy. Leadership in Burgmann also helped me grow as a public speaker and, more importantly, as a person. At first, I was genuinely terrified to speak in front of large groups, but through regular practice and supportive encouragement, I pushed through that anxiety. I still get nervous before a speech, but I’ve learned to use that nervous energy as a strength. It’s become a kind of superpower that helps me rise to challenges and perform at my best.

This journey of overcoming anxiety extended into my musical life as well. At CGS, music has given me countless opportunities to perform, each one helping me become more comfortable with nerves and more confident in my abilities. During our school’s production of Chicago: The Musical, I had the privilege of playing the lead role, Roxie Hart. While acting isn’t my strong suit, I was fortunate to be cast for my voice. It was an unforgettable experience, one that deepened my confidence in my artistic ability and connected me with students and staff I may not have otherwise met. The rehearsal process was long, intense, and emotional. Balancing everything, from schoolwork to rehearsals, was incredibly difficult and often overwhelming. But through that challenge, I gained something the classroom alone couldn’t teach me: resilience, time management, and emotional intelligence. I learned to push forward when I was exhausted, to ask for help when I needed it, and to trust in the support of those around me. Chicago was a defining moment in my schooling life, and I’m proud of the person I became through it.

Alongside the musical, I’ve pursued classical voice lessons since Year 7, been a dedicated member of the CGS Choir since the same year and joined the Auditioned Chamber Choir in Year 8. These years of singing have taught me not only discipline and artistry but also teamwork and communication, skills that extend far beyond the music room. They’ve culminated in one of my proudest achievements: completing my Grade 8 AMEB Voice Exam. This accomplishment reflects years of perseverance, hundreds of hours of rehearsals, and growth. It opens the door for many exciting musical opportunities after school, including the potential to join accomplished choirs across Australia, including the ACT’s premier Resonants Choir.

In every classroom, rehearsal space, and leadership role, Canberra Grammar School has given me more than an education; it has shaped my character. I leave this chapter of my life not with all the answers, but with the courage, resilience, and skills to find them. Through academic challenge, leadership growth, and creative expression, I have become a more confident, capable, and well-rounded person. I carry forward everything I’ve learned here, both in and out of the classroom, with pride and gratitude. And for that, I am deeply thankful.