Dux 2022 - Seth Thomas

It is a great honor and privilege to be standing here today, and for that I cannot claim credit. Firstly, I want to thank Mr. Paterson for welcoming me into this brotherhood with open arms. Mr. Fifita, for encouraging me to push myself and my academics by moving up a year group. I would like to thank my parents for always pushing me to do my best and for always being there in times of crisis. My friends for their undying support and for providing comedic relief during late night study sessions. I would like to thank my teachers for all the work they put into my learning and for staying calm when my hand went up for the tenth time in that lesson. I would also like to thank Ms. Marsh, Mr. Mayhew, and the hostel staff for allowing me to stay in school to study until late hours of the night, and for supporting and guiding me through hardships and frustration. Lastly, I would like to thank all of you for the motivation you give me each day. It goes without saying that I would not be standing here today if it weren’t for all of you; your encouragement, motivation, and tolerance.

Growing up and beginning school in Hong Kong was never easy for me, I was always at the bottom of the class, always being laughed at for not being able to solve the most simple of questions. I faced many different challenges, some, you may not even have thought possible. But it is the challenges we face and how we overcome them that shape the people we are to be. All of us go through challenges, some of which may seem impossible to overcome, but let me tell you that there is always a way, and that sulking, and procrastinating won't help you. That may seem obvious, but it is extremely easy to fall into such traps, so when you find yourself faced with seemingly impossible challenges, take action and look for ways to get through them rather than getting upset that you’re faced with them. All of you sitting here today are capable young men, and with hard work and dedication, you can do anything.

I would like to end with a short quote from Jordan Peterson that says, “Don’t underestimate the power of vision and direction.” If you have a vision, and you have purpose in the direction you are traveling to achieve said vision, nothing can stop you. Thank you