From the Chaplaincy

The virtue we will celebrate at school next week is perseverance. Last week, Huntingtower prefect Sophie Lai shared this powerful reflection during the Principal’s assembly:

“In life, we like to think that to do something, we must be good at it. We must succeed, be the best and never fall short of our goals. 

But when reflecting on all my co-curricular experiences at Huntingtower, the memories that stand out to me aren’t the successes, triumphs or achievements. Instead, what I remember is getting kicked out of an online debate when the power went out halfway. I remember rehearsing weeks and months for the school production that never got performed because of Covid. I remember losing quarterfinals, semi-finals and grand finals again and again.

And what stands out among all these moments is the underlying feeling that I was still glad to have done them despite the challenges. 

There are times when you feel silly signing up for something. You think to yourself; What if I’m not good at it? What if I don’t know what I’m doing? What if I’m alone? 

People may tell you; No, you’ll be great, don’t worry, it’ll all be fine, but the truth is things can go wrong. You will look silly. You will make mistakes - and sometimes in front of a whole lot of people. 

But if you can persevere through them, you’ll realise that your best memories will come from the challenges you have faced and overcome.”

Thank you, Sophie, for these inspiring words!

History has many examples of perseverance: Thomas Edison famously tested thousands of different combinations of materials before finally developing a light bulb that would last. Emmeline Pankhurst struggled for over 30 years to achieve the vote for women on equal terms with men. Mahatma Ghandi persevered in his non-violent resistance for over 40 years before India finally achieved its independence.

So, whatever we are working towards, we can be sure that our persistence will be rewarded and the more we persevere the more we will appreciate the success when it comes.

“A faithful person will have many blessings …” - Proverbs 28:20

“The lives of great men and women are miracles of patience and perseverance.” - Mary Baker Eddy

“Fall seven times and stand up eight.” - Japanese Proverb

Sincere thanks to Sophie Lai for so graciously agreeing for her reflection to be used for this inspirational message.

The Chaplaincy Team