Note to self

Hey Raymond

Coming to Grammar as a 13 year old may seem like a daunting task, but don't worry, your naivety will soon wear off. Grammar will teach you how to slowly grow up fast. Had the previous 4 years been any different, 7^th Form Raymond may not have ended up feeling content with what he has achieved and accomplished. Although I wouldn't have changed anything, here are some pointers that'll come to use.

 

1.       Family First- Yeah ok, so this one is really obvious and cliché but absolutely dedicate time to your family. Your family will always be there for you, they will always support you and they will always love you. Reciprocate that love. Show them what they mean to you. Be a role model for your sisters and a great son to your parents.

 

2.       Choose Your Friends- Not everyone may positively add value to your life, certainly surround yourself with people who do. These are the ones who will encourage you, who you will share laughter with, who you will share tears with. You will struggle to find the right group for you and you move from circle to circle, but that's ok. You will know it when you find that group. Trust me.

 

3.       Trust Yourself- You have amazing abilities and an incredible potential. Throughout your time, you will doubt yourself, you will lack confidence and you will be anxious about what you can achieve. Your potential is greater than you realise, but until you find that within yourself you will always "what could've been". Doubt will kill more dreams than failures, so trust in your abilities and they will take you a long way.

 

4.       Challenge Yourself- Dare to dream kid. Grammar will take you places where you would've never imagined yourself going. You will be confronted, challenged and changed, all for the better. Grammar will push you, but it is up to yourself to step outside your comfort zone. Don't always take the effortless way. It is ok to ambitious at times. You will grow as a result.

 

5.       Have Integrity- Be a man who walks a path with thankfulness, humility and gratefulness. Be appreciative because you are more blessed and privileged than you know. Take responsibility and initiative, these will develop your leadership qualities. Be a man who lives his message by his works as well as his words. Stick to your values.  

 

6.       Give Back- Always.

 

7.       Be Yourself- If there is anything you do not want to forget it is this. This will probably be the best advice you will ever get at Grammar. Be defined by what you love rather than what you're not. People will see the character inside you and towards the end of your journey people may start christening you as "the next this" or "the next that". Take these words as encouragement and reassurance that you are living with a positive purpose instead of expectations that you will need to fulfil.

Eventually, you will overcome your problems and life will get better. Trust God and Take care.

Raymond