How belief and passion open doors One of the best aspects of being involved in the Newington community (in my case as a parent, Old Boy and Council member) is meeting past students who live and breathe the chance to seize opportunities—and do it with enthusiasm. My oldest boy was in Newington’s class of 2006. Recently, one of his good friends rang to ask if I could meet a relatively young Old Newingtonian who was leading an exciting and innovative opportunity in financial services. He knew I came from that background and had been involved in a start-up business myself. He thought it was a good idea if we shared our experiences and learnings. When I met this young man, I couldn’t help but be impressed. He had a passionate and unshakeable belief in the benefits that will undoubtedly flow from the opportunity he and his business partner have identified and run with. He is an engaging advocate for its educational value and the positive experience he believes will come from using his products and services. Equally Mr Tony McDonald impressive was his focus—not on the relentless in his pursuit of it. The Council also remain restless to seize pot of gold at the end, but on the experience he strives for is one that will opportunities whenever they arise. immediate tasks at hand and on lead to long-term sustainable success. generating enjoyment for users, staff and the owners of the business alike. I took away from that meeting a feeling that our core values are delivering a ‘What I gleaned from our “dividend” for our boys as they move into an ever-changing working Mr Tony McDonald conversation was a high environment. Chairman level of restlessness’ There was also a “note to self”: let Newington College Council All the characteristics and virtues espoused by Dr Mulford in his article in My opportunity: Kenny Chen (12/FL) this edition of News were evident—and in abundance. A willingness to talk The biggest opportunity I have had so about mistakes along the way and the far is the bursary which was offered lessons learnt. Resilience, persistence, to me by Newington College. hard work and rigour. And gratitude to the Newington Maths teacher who It has allowed me to continue to “opened the door” and sparked his keen pursue my academic interests, interest in the complex algorithms, especially in the field of problem solving and programming that mathematics. I have also had the are at the heart of his business. opportunity to tutor other students in this area and share my knowledge What I also gleaned from our with others. I have also been able to conversation was a high degree of participate in the co-curricular restlessness. It wasn’t restlessness for activities present in this school, such overnight success, because that would as chess and debating, which I have Kenny Chen compromise the integrity of the belief quite enjoyed. that underpins this particular business. academics and otherwise. It is a Rather, he was restless for an It has given me the opportunity to unique gift, and one that I cherish experience that truly excites and ponder questions, both relating to my dearly. delights the user of the service—and 4| NEWS AUTUMN 2018| OPPORTUNITY