James Potter (10/ME) My biggest opportunity has been having the option of picking up Food Technology as an elective subject. I really wanted to learn the basics to being able to cook and had always fancied myself as a chef or working in the industry. Doing Food Technology has helped me have a positive interest while being inspired by MasterChefAustralia. I took the opportunity and have never looked back since Year 8. I will possibly still be doing it in the years to come. I have another passion that I like to do in my spare time. I might turn this opportunity into my career and, if I don’t, at least I will have a great skill for the rest of my life. Henry Larkings (12/FL) My greatest opportunity so far is being selected as a part of the Australian Sailing Youth Team that competed at the World Sailing Youth Championships in Sanya, China, in December 2017. It is the pinnacle of youth sailing and I felt very honoured to be the only people representing our country. This experience let me learn more aboutmyself. I became a more independent and organised person as I had to be responsible for myself in everything I did. I learnt a lot about competing at the highest level, Itmademe much more determined. I made lifelong friends who live on the otherside of the world who I will be seeinga lot more further down the track. Toby Goldschmidt (10/KL) I was selected for the New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) water polo development squad. I began playing water polo when I was 10 years old and have loved every second of it. I spend a lot of time in the water, but I’m keen to take on board every piece of advice and I always put in 100 per cent effort. I enjoy the social aspect of the program too. I would love to move into the next level of the program, which steps up the training. It would be a huge commitment, and would certainly turn me into a better player. Pathways that could arise from this include playing for the Australian Youth Teams and scholarships to universities both in Australia and overseas. It could even lead to the Olympics—imagine that! Hugh Finlayson (9/JN) The biggest opportunity I have taken was easily the introduction to the drama program at the College. This program is extensive and ranges from Shakespeare’s classics to comedic improvised performances. This opportunity was completely groundbreaking for me, as I found what I enjoyed and what I wanted to pursue in my later life. This also showed me all the creativity in drama, such as improvised work, scripted work, and sometimes a little bit of both. The drama program helped me a lot with my confidence and nervousness before speeches. It showed me what I wanted to do in the future and is an interesting, intriguing and fun way to take on learning. I hope to continue with this opportunity for the rest of my life. Bailey Shannonhouse (11/MA) I had the opportunity to grow up with great grandparents and learnt numerous lessons from them. My great grandparents lived through the Great Depression and the Second World War. They lived frugally and simply, not relying on material possessions for their happiness. Whilethey lived on very little, they were contented and lived a long and happy life together, married for 69 years. In the world that we live in today, the constant bombardment of advertising promotes the idea happiness can be obtained through material items. The many srtoies my great randparents told me ave me ang g understanding of the more important things in life, of family and being contented with what you have. OPPORTUNITY| NEWS AUTUMN 2018| 35