Dear Matt

Dear Matt,

I hope your 2014 New Year was fun. I don't remember it but I am sure you stayed up till midnight at Bowentown with our family, lighting some fireworks and doing quizzes. I write this letter to you from four years in the future, a letter to third form me from soon to be seventh form me. I could spoil all the surprises that will come your way at Grammar, tell you what to specifically avoid and embrace but I want you to carve your own path. Academics are important, focus energy on them, doing well in exams has it's advantages but remember not to neglect your social life. Friends are more important then A*s and if you forget this you will come to regret it like I did. Your friends will still be there to help once everyone forgets about that 91% you get in fifth form geography. I know that sports are an important part of your life but I will warn you that cycling, running, waterpolo, club football and swimming are not possible to do all at once especially if you want to excel at a particular sport. Train for that sport more than you think is necessary and then add some extra. You don't want to end a season thinking I could have tried harder. Exchange the computer gaming for more constructive uses of time and read more.

Grammar will present many more opportunities to you then you could ever imagine and if you are even remotely interested in it, sign up for it because despite what the headmaster says you never know what hidden gems you might find in he daily notices. You will have the privilege on going on at least one tour, choose wisely and don't pick the first one to appear necessarily. 

I know that you would want more in this letter but again you have to create your own future. I encourage you to take my advice and I encourage you to ignore it. Do what you feel is right and either way you will be extraordinary in your own right.

From Matt.