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Senior Prefect Blog
This week’s Theme of the Week is ‘intellectual curiosity, and to ask questions’.
In my opinion, asking questions is truly the easiest way to broaden your knowledge, and something you should never shy away from in the classroom. Do not be afraid to need clarification, there is no way you can learn if you do not understand! More than that, a level of intellectual curiosity can lead to making links between topics or subjects that can become very important when you are sitting in an exam hall, for example, linking something you have learnt in Mathematics to equations that you are learning in Physics can lead to a deeper understanding, as well as faster recall.
More importantly, in my opinion, asking questions is vital to become a more experienced and rounded person. With this in mind, I challenge anyone reading this, to ask themselves more often, why not?
This little phrase has been very influential in shaping my life to this point; most recently when deciding to which universities I should apply. I had always wanted to go to Bath to study Psychology. However, the school’s ‘Aspire’ program encouraged me to look towards Oxbridge. I felt, as I am sure many students do, that it would be a struggle to get there, or that I was not strong enough academically, but faced with 5 spaces on my UCAS application I simply thought, well ‘why not?’
I knew there was nothing to lose from at least trying, so I added it to my application, crossed my fingers and sent it off. I worked hard to prepare for the admissions assessments, and was thrilled to receive a call to interview; with the help of my teachers, I practiced and simply tried my best, as no one could ask for more!
Come second period on January 14, I was squealing, and jumping around, in the Library, upon receiving an email that I had been accepted, and offered a place at Selwyn College for October 2019. I still am, over 2 months later, in disbelief that this happened, but know that if I had not have just taken the plunge because ‘Why not?’ Then I would have missed out on this experience.
Therefore, whether it is being asked to present an assembly or being afforded the opportunity to apply for World School or Senior Prefect team, I encourage all students to grab an opportunity and simply think ‘Why not?’ As anything in which you try your hardest, can build your confidence and develop your skills.
After all, as Mark Twain said, “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do.” So, be curious and try your hardest in all opportunities, because you never know how something could benefit your life until you try.
Matilda Head
