During my time at Canberra Grammar School, one of my proudest academic achievements was receiving an academic scholarship, which motivated me to push myself and strive for excellence. Another highlight has been maintaining high marks in Year 11, despite the challenge of balancing my studies with an intense tennis tournament that took me away for weeks leading up to the exams. One of the most rewarding parts of my journey, however, has been discovering a newfound passion for business management, a subject I now find deeply engaging, perhaps enticing me to pursue a degree in business. In addition to academic achievements, one of the things I value most from my time at CGS is the lifelong friendships I’ve built. The supportive and collaborative environment fostered strong connections, and these friendships have been just as important to my growth as my academic accomplishments.
Several factors contributed to my success. The unwavering support of my teachers played a significant role in helping me balance my academic and athletic commitments, ensuring I had the best opportunity to succeed despite my absences and intensive schedule. The Athlete Development Programme (ADP), particularly in Years 9 and 10, was instrumental in helping me manage the demands of school and sport. Additionally, the after-school math support sessions helped me improve in one of my more challenging subjects, and I’m grateful for those opportunities to further strengthen my understanding.
These experiences, along with the friendships I’ve formed, have not only helped me enjoy my time at CGS but also prepared me for the world ahead. The combination of academic accomplishments and the supportive relationships I’ve built have equipped me with the confidence and resilience needed for future challenges.
Engaging in tennis as my co-curricular activity at CGS has played a significant role in preparing me for the world beyond schooling. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned through tennis is the importance of communication. By informing my teachers in advance about upcoming absences due to tournaments, they were able to adjust lesson plans, provide materials, and ensure I stayed on top of my academic work. This experience has shown me how clear communication can lead to better outcomes, a skill that will serve me well in future professional and personal contexts.
In my junior years, I benefited from a strong sense of community, as there were other elite tennis players at CGS who I could train with. When my coach became the head of tennis at the School, I was able to practice on the new courts more regularly, reducing travel time and allowing me to focus on improvement. The discipline, time management, and strategic thinking that tennis requires have sharpened my skills, not just on the court but in ways that are transferable to real-world challenges.
Some of my proudest achievements include being selected for the Pizzey Cup team three years in a row, winning the Trophy of Values at the Rafa Nadal Cup in Melbourne, which led to a training session with Carlos Moya, and competing across Australia and internationally in New Zealand, Fiji, and Singapore on the Junior ITF circuit, where I secured a runner-up doubles title in Fiji. These successes have shaped me into a more adaptable, organized, and responsible individual, enhancing my confidence along the way.
Tennis has also helped me develop a greater sense of self-reliance. The School’s support, combined with the independence expected in both the IB programme and co-curricular activities, has ensured that I’m able to manage my own learning and growth. The combination of these skills, which are highly encouraged by CGS, has prepared me not just for success on the tennis court but for life beyond school.
My academic and co-curricular successes have been crucial in shaping who I am and preparing me for the world beyond school. Both have sparked a strong work ethic, motivating me to continuously push my boundaries. Whether it’s facing academic challenges or competing in tennis, I’ve come to understand the importance of adopting discipline and time management to achieve success in both areas.
Tennis, in particular, has helped me develop mental resilience alongside physical strength. It has taught me to stay focused and adapt when things don’t go as planned—lessons that apply to my academic life as well, where the ability to persevere has helped me navigate a busy and demanding schedule.
Alongside my personal growth, one of the most rewarding parts of my time at CGS has been the friendships I’ve made along the way. The strong connections I’ve formed have made my journey not only more fulfilling but also extremely enjoyable. These experiences have broadened my outlook, encouraging me to take a more balanced and holistic approach to life. Together, my academic and co-curricular achievements, along with the time spent with my friends, have made me more adaptable and confident, preparing me to face future challenges with a strong sense of responsibility and a drive to keep improving.
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