The Last Word: Will Laws

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Last week, we heard a story about respect, not the easy kind, but the true ugliness that is left in its absence.

It was about a young girl, Elizabeth Eckford, who walked into a place where she wasn’t welcomed, at a time when simply showing up took real courage. She arrived at school expecting to learn, but instead faced hostility and was forced to turn back.

That moment isn’t just history; it reflects deeper questions about the kind of people we become and the environments that shape our actions. Hazel Bryan was a white student photographed screaming at Elizabeth. She later expressed regret for what she had done, saying her behaviour was influenced by the attitudes surrounding her at the time.

We have repeatedly heard that respect is only truly shown when it’s difficult, when it would be easier to stay silent, to walk away, or to do nothing.

But respect doesn’t solely apply to how we treat others. It fundamentally begins with respect for yourself.

While many will fail to admit it, school is hard. It’s difficult to stay focused when you’re being constantly challenged, but learning doesn’t just happen to you. It happens because of you.

No teacher, no system, no school can do the work for you. They can guide you, support you, and challenge you, but at the end of the day, the responsibility sits with each of us. Taking ownership of your learning means showing up with intent, putting in 100% of your effort, and being honest about your studies.

And here lies having respect for yourself.

It’s easy to spend the period going through the motions. It’s harder to stop and ask, ‘Is what I’m doing helping me reach my full potential?’ Without this constant thought, we risk not reaching our full potential.

As mentioned, Hazel Bryan was influenced by the people around her. Her actions were influenced by the environment she was in. It shaped her actions and attitude. We must take responsibility for who we choose to be, rather than simply following what is around us. Respect for yourself means making deliberate choices, even when it is easier not to, and holding yourself to a higher standard than the situation around you might encourage.

So as we move forward, don’t only hold respect for others, but hold it for yourself. Because the standards you set for your own actions, effort, and character will ultimately define the person you become.

Will Laws

Deputy Head Prefect