When I first discovered that I was going to have the opportunity of becoming the first international head boy, my thoughts instantly turned to the ones who have assisted and inspired me throughout the last four years.
Firstly, my parents who have encouraged and aided me throughout my education. My dad discovered he had cancer when I was 13, at that time I did not understand the importance of being diligent. It was him who showed me how ambition, courage and hard work can make you strive towards your goals. When he was being treated, he suffered a lot of pain, but with the positivity he possessed, he was able to overcome the difficulties in his path. He inspired me to never to give up, no matter how big the task you are facing.
The doctor said my dad would not live very long if he was reluctant to have his surgery done, as soon as we heard this, our whole family was devastated. However from this incident, we have learnt how to treasure the people that surround us, as one day they might not be beside us anymore. Since then, we have spent more time together as a family rather than participating in activities individually.
I remember the years when I was studying in Hong Kong, one of the things I would always have in my bag was not books, and instead it was a PlayStation Portable. Therefore unavoidably I failed in my exams and was not able to continue, so my parents offered me the chance to study abroad, they though it was of the upmost importance for my education to learning English, as English is essential and can heighten your employability levels in Hong Kong .
When I first arrived at Stover, my impression of the school was how large it was in comparison to my previous one. Despite my initial apprehension at starting a new school, in a new country, I soon found my feet and began to really enjoy life at Stover. The teachers and students were warm and friendly, which helped me settle in to work. Stover is well equipped which allows each and every pupil a certain amount of freedom while keeping them focused and passionate about their work.
From my very first day here I was inspired to learn English, as when I first arrived here my standard of English was poor and I could neither understand nor communicate with people. In that first year all my fellow students helped my progress in learning the English language. Everyone was very helpful and that is why i am able to stand up here today and talk to you in what is hopefully a good standard of English. With so many different nationalities and cultures at Stover, students learn from each other and there's a strong sense of integration.
I've been here for many years and throughout the duration of my education I have strived for perfection in each and every aspect of my work. Stover has changed in the time I have been here and by doing so has improved greatly. I am very grateful that I have had the chance to study at this school, and that I have met a huge variety of different people and have had the privilege of befriending them , as the author Mario Puzo once said "The strength of a family, like the strength of an army, is in its loyalty to each other."
I would like to say a huge thank you to all the teachers who have given me tremendous help and support throughout my time here, without this help I wouldn't have thrived and prospered at this school.