During my time at Canberra Grammar School, I’ve been incredibly lucky to dive into a whirlwind of academic and co-curricular experiences that have not only shaped the student I am, but the person I hope to become beyond the Red Hill gates.
Academically, I am proud of being awarded Prize for Mathematics Analysis & Approaches in Year 11 and receiving an HD in the Australian Maths Challenge. These successes were achieved through the unwavering support of exceptional CGS teachers who were always generous with their time and feedback, particularly in the senior years when guidance became increasingly important. Equally, the rigour of the IB Programme challenged me to be independent and resilient, and to take pride in intellectual curiosity. It was in subjects like Economics and Global Politics where I learned the importance of questioning assumptions and developing a logical, coherent voice; skills that would ultimately translate into my co-curricular passions.
One of the most formative parts of that journey has been helping to organise CGS Model United Nations. I still remember the nerves of my first committee in Year 7. Since then, I’ve tried to make the world of diplomacy less intimidating and more inclusive for others, whether through mentoring delegates, demystifying complex issues or simply making space for different perspectives. I was incredibly honoured to receive the Terry Snow Global Studies Scholarship, which has not only reflected my passion for the field, but the strength of the community that supported me in building it.
Equally, my experiences in debating have shaped me in ways that go far beyond winning arguments. As Debating Captain, our mentoring of junior teams and running of workshops for Year 7s have been by far the most rewarding. One of the most significant parts of the role has been helping Year 7 and 8 students build confidence, not just in their case structure or rebuttal, but in their belief that their ideas matter. That sense of growth, in myself and in others, is something I will carry with me long after graduation. That spirit carried through when I represented the school interstate, where our team was fortunate to win the Bond National High School Mooting Competition in Queensland.
That said, it is often the quieter commitments that have left the deepest mark. Volunteering as a Tennis Assistant Coach on weekends, showing up each week not for recognition but because it mattered to the younger kids. Such moments remind me that who you are when no one is watching matters just as much, if not more, than who you are when the spotlight’s on.
Together, these academic and co-curricular experiences have helped shape me into someone who is not only ready for the world, but also excited by it. CGS has given me the platform to explore global affairs and mathematical theory, to challenge myself in competition and to uplift others along the way. Whether I am entering a university classroom, a policy discussion or an unfamiliar environment, I do so with the confidence that CGS has given me the foundation to lead thoughtfully, listen deeply and grow continuously.
That, I believe, is what it means to be ready for the world.
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