Wellbeing - Middle School

Why Now is the Time

At our recent assembly, students were encouraged to rethink the idea of "waiting for the perfect time." Whether it’s learning a new instrument, trying out for a sport, or picking up a new hobby — the message was clear: don’t wait. This inspiring speech by George Lahoud, 2025 College Captain, reminded us all that growth comes from taking risks, embracing failure, and learning by doing.

Here is part of his address below:

There is an ancient Chinese proverb which reads “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time, is now.”

 

The perfect time to learn a new instrument never comes. 

 

The perfect time to try out a new sport never comes. 

 

The perfect time to be curious and learn a new skill or hobby never comes.

 

How is it then, that some people can become so successful in the world?

 

The secret to their success is not waiting for the perfect time, just throwing themselves in the deep end, making mistakes and learning through real action. It’s so easy in life to get caught up just thinking about doing something rather than taking action and giving it a proper go. This applies to everyone, from the boys in year 5 all the way up to the seniors in year 12, and even adults and teachers. 

 

It’s easy to fall into the trap and think you might not be good enough. You worry too much about what others might think, if you might look silly or if you are smart enough, athletic enough to be successful. The only way to get past this, the main message I want to give you today, is that you need to have the courage to throw yourself in the deep end.

 

Our passions and greatest talents in our lives are not something we are born with. They are something we find, over many years of trying things that are new, things that interest us and that inspire us. There is something out there for everyone, from music to ping pong and even card tricks, which we need to encourage each other to find and celebrate because these are the things that build our character and help us grow as young men.

 

So, take that risk and try something out of your comfort zone, even if you do it wrong, or fail, or look silly trying, because you only really learn how to swim when you dive into the deep end.

My message to the Middle School students, growth starts when you stop waiting and start doing.

Alexandros Sinadinos

Director of Middle School