AGS India Immersion Programme 2017/18

Yesterday afternoon we sat and shared in one final big group debrief. We cried. It then seemed appropriate to head out on a boat, drifting on the ripples of Mumbai Harbour, watching the city lights, bidding farewell to both the day and this experience. This morning Reuben said "Let's go home". Everyone cheered.  We are about to board the plane right now, notwithstanding a few hiccups and loose movements at Mumbai Airport (spare a thought for Ben Lerner and Cam MacFarlane). Thank you India for the memories; we will never forget you.  Tom, Reuben, Mark, and Shane NB: we land on SQ285 at 11:45am tomorrow, Thu 4 Jan, NZ time. See you soon! 

At 18 years old we said yes to a challenge from a man who we had idolised throughout our time at Auckland Grammar. At 21 and 22, we sit here only hours short of completing the task that was set for us. We sit here only hours short of saying goodbye to a country that has meant so much to us. We sit here only hours short of home. But this blog isn't about us, nor is it for us, so before we get home it has one more challenge, and that is to articulate to you why we came to this magnificent country, and what we hope your 22 young men take away from this wonderful month. But first, why did we come here? Before we get started, let us take you back to October 2016. A group of boys made a decision to attend a meeting, and returned home to their respective families with an information pack detailing a month in India. In this pack contained the goals of the programme. They read: -        Expose students to the experience of living in a different cu...

Mark So as we enter the final hours in India, soon to begin our journey home I find myself with a slightly nervous feeling about returning to New Zealand as well as a good dose of confusion about this country.  What will I say when people ask me about the trip? Where will I begin? What have I seen? How can I explain it? What will stay with me, and what will fade away? Here are some thoughts as they stand from the perspective of one man and his Tuk Tuk! Let's start with,  'Gaining the fare' It's been a long journey to get here and it's all in the preparation.  There really is a huge amount of time, planning, thought and background work that goes into a trip like this, however, whilst all of that is hugely important, it's ultimately about getting the right people.  A Tuk Tuk and its driver will go up and down the street, catching peoples eye, striking up conversation, offering their services, and promising to help you explore....

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, ...

Dear Ollie (2015), You have just finished intermediate and are heading to Grammar for your first year of high school. You will be anxious and possibly worried entering a school with over 2500 students. Right now you'll be worrying how faded your shirt should be or how high to wear your socks, just to avoid funny looks that really no one would give as everyone feels the same. Although Grammar will come with big challenges my main advice would be to not stress (too much). Some things won't be easy but take everything as it comes and try embrace it and enjoy yourself. Grammar will provide you with more than enough opportunities- make the most of that and get involved. Hockey and tennis are your favourite sports but try something different or new. Joining the distance squad will be one of the best things you do at Grammar. I know as a small 3 rd former it will be hard to keep up with the group and enjoy it at first but if you tough it out for the first term or ...

You're a young football prodigy, wide-eyed and unsure of what the future holds. You've been watching games for years now, always from the stands, always with your parents by your side. You've just been signed by one of the top academies in the country, Auckland Grammar School, and now you have an environment wherein you can grow as a player and strive for a place on the pitch. That place, however, is earnt, not given. Your coaches will guide you, but it's up to you to train and develop all aspects of your game. Your teammates are what make the game enjoyable, so play with them not against them. Play the game with energy and enthusiasm, savouring every minute, because that final whistle will approach more quickly than you expect. And when that final penalty kick comes, believe in yourself and know that you will score.