Our Schooling isn't a Race

by College Captain, Archibald Simmons

In a running race you never look behind. You don’t turn your head to check who’s around you. You never look on your left and right. Instead, you ‘run your own race’, with your head down. Because looking around, slows you down. In some ways we treat our Lauries Journey as a race. We sprint head down, eager to cross the line, eager to graduate.

As the Year 12 cohort moves into their last ‘stretch’, adopting the white shirts and becoming Seniors, it can be easy to shift our view to the finish line. But what I have begun to notice, is that the closer we get to that chequered flag, the more I wish time would slow. The more I begin to realise the importance of stopping to look around. Because while our schooling journey is tunnelled towards graduation, our time here is so much more important than a cardboard certificate.

Well, what’s so important about Lauries then? This school owns a special place in my heart and I think I can speak for most when I say that passing through these gates truly changes you as a person – for the better. But it isn’t because of our incredible opportunities, achievements or awards. Instead, it’s the living, breathing spirit of Lauries that has won its way into my heart.

While cheering on the Firsts and singing our hearts out at Mass is an obvious measurement, I believe Lauries spirit goes deeper. It is ingrained in each boy the moment we step foot inside the gates. Our small relationships, with staff, each other, older boys, make each person feel seen and heard – something I believe is invaluable.

Because our schooling isn’t a race.

At Lauries, we stop and look around. We see the people on our left and right and we help them on. We enjoy the journey.

Each step of joy, pain and growth forms us into the Lauries Gentlemen we eventually become.

I think our culture can quite easily be defined, not by the results on Saturday, but by the little chats you see in the quadrangle every day. No one person is above anyone else. I see Seniors daily talking to the younger boys, asking them about their sport, classes and showing a genuine interest in their lives. As a kid, it’s pretty special to see your heroes come ask you about your music ensemble or 6C cricket team and I think those small discussions are what create such a strong, uplifting culture that truly celebrates every individual for who they are.

The greatest schooling memories I have are not from academic awards, sporting achievements or House Cups but instead small everyday moments and time spent with mates. So, as we enter this Autumn period, I emphasise the importance of slowing down every once in a while, to stop and look around. Because this journey is more important than the destination. And if you only focus on your path, you might just miss the richness around you.