Ready For The World | Angela Xie (CGS 2024)

Academically, I am most proud of my distinction and honourable mention in the Australian Economics Olympiad in 2023. This success was made possible by the exceptional support from Canberra Grammar School teachers, who provided expert guidance and encouragement. The opportunity to study economics from Year 7 up until my final IB diploma course played a key role in preparing me to challenge myself in this competition. Ultimately, my personal commitment and passion for economics, combined with the supportive CGS environment, equipped me to excel in the competition and prepare for future challenges.

Serving as School Vice-Captain, I have developed strong leadership and organisational skills. Leading initiatives and coordinating events required me to motivate and manage teams effectively, ensuring that our goals were met. This experience taught me how to inspire and guide others, fostering a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute their best efforts.

I have learned to articulate ideas clearly and confidently through my role and these interactions have improved my public speaking abilities and my capacity to listen and respond thoughtfully; skills that are invaluable in any professional setting.

Critical thinking and problem-solving have been integral to my responsibilities as Vice-Captain. Organising events, resolving conflicts, and addressing student concerns have required me to think on my feet and develop effective solutions quickly. Moreover, it has taught me the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence. Leading peers involves understanding their needs and concerns, and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels heard and respected. This sensitivity to others’ feelings and perspectives has deepened my ability to connect with people on a personal level, which is crucial for building strong, supportive relationships in any community.

My role as school Vice-Captain at CGS has been a transformative experience, and the successes I’ve experienced in this role, such as organising successful School events, improving student engagement, and fostering a positive School culture, have been deeply rewarding, significantly contributing to my readiness for the world; not only being a platform for personal growth but also equipping me with essential skills that extend beyond the confines of School leadership.

Additionally, engaging in water polo at CGS since Year 7 and playing for the Firsts Team from Year 9 onwards has profoundly shaped my personal and interpersonal skills. Water Polo, as a team sport, demands strong coordination and mutual trust. These experiences have taught me the importance of each member’s role in achieving collective success. The sport has instilled in me a strong work ethic, discipline, and resilience. Balancing rigorous training with academic commitments has enhanced my time management and perseverance. Overcoming challenges in the pool has boosted my confidence and self-belief, preparing me to tackle various life obstacles. Our team’s achievements, including memorable victories and comebacks, reflect our determination and teamwork. These experiences have equipped me to face challenges and excel in a dynamic, interconnected world.

My academic and co-curricular successes complement each other in shaping me to be ready for the world. Achieving distinction in the Australian Economics Olympiad enhanced my analytical and critical thinking skills, while serving as Vice-Captain developed my leadership, communication, and empathy. Being involved in the Water Polo community and sport has taught me time management and resilience. Balancing all these priorities and life has encouraged holistic personal growth and development. Together, these collective achievements have provided a well-rounded foundation, combining academic excellence and practical experience. These aspects of my experience and Canberra Grammar School have equipped me to face future challenges with confidence, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills, ensuring with confidence that I continue to face future opportunities and challenges.