The Last Word - 18 February

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This week the last word in assembly was delivered by Ryan Z:

It has already been three weeks since the start of school, and thus, three weeks since the introduction of our three key values: excellence, respect, and manaakitanga. While their formal recognition at the College may be new, all of us will be quite familiar with them.

After all, they are deeply intertwined with school. School is the place that gives us the opportunities to grow as an individual. 

The opportunity to pursue our potential. Excellence. The opportunity to uphold the mana of every individual. Respect. The opportunity to serve and uplift others. Manaakitanga. 

Opportunity. A quick Google dictionary search says: Opportunity. A set of circumstances that make it possible to do something.

The word that I want to highlight here is ‘possible’, not ‘circumstances’. The circumstances are easy; after all they are presented to us everyday at school.

Having a ginormous sports field doesn’t make you excellent; bringing your gear, listening to the coach and going to all the practices and games does.

Sitting down in a classroom doesn’t make you respectful; saying good morning, paying attention in class, and saying thank you to your teacher does.  

Walking near another student doesn’t mean you exhibit manaakitanga; greeting them, opening and holding the door, helping them hold something heavy does.

The only way to make the most of all these opportunities, no matter how simple or grand, is to do our key theme: give 100% every single day.

The key thing in all of these scenarios is to, as Nike would say, just do it.  How can you expect your car to move forward, if you never step on the accelerator?

Similar to how we all know that pressing a pedal moves a car forward, even without a driver’s license, I believe that we all know how to grow as an individual. Think about all the assemblies, chapels, lessons or training sessions you’ve gone to. Think about all the advice and quotes that you’ve heard over the years; even today, Dr Columbus has introduced you to a new framework to help with your growth.

All of that and giving 100% everyday only matters, if you decide to take that first step and seize that opportunity. 

Slightly straying from tradition, I would like to end off with two quotes. 

The first one might be familiar:

Mauri mahi, mauri ora; mauri noho, mauri mate. - Industry begets prosperity, idleness begets poverty. Or, do the mahi, get the treats.

The second one is: 

Quotes don’t work unless you do. 

Thank you.