2014. Snapchat was just beginning to take off, and Facebook was still the go-to platform for younger users. I, like many of my peers, was starting to become more self-aware and like every other 7-year-old, thought I had the answer to everything. My Year 2 life consisted of coming to school, talking non-stop through class with my mates – much to my teacher’s annoyance – and playing cricket, footy or soccer at any chance I got.
Those are my earliest memories of my time at St Peter’s College. For most of the parents and many of the staff, 2014 would feel like it happened yesterday. For us, it seems like a lifetime ago.
Tiger and I were fortunate to spend some time with the ELC and Prep boys last week. Stepping back into the sandpit, digging holes and having lunch, it almost felt like nothing had changed. But suddenly, it was as if all the years and memories were flashing before my eyes. I blinked and I was 10 again, thinking I was such a big boy using a computer to do my schoolwork. Then I was 12, exploring the newfound freedom of the Senior School and my access to the tuckshop. And then, with another blink, I was 18, walking down the Avenue of Honour, surrounded by the mates I’d grown up with. I was high fiving the Junior School boys, standing right where I had been not so long ago. I was shaking the hands of the Senior School boys, whose place I had been in just yesterday, struggling to believe I’d be graduating soon too.
How is this all relevant? It may seem like a long-winded way of getting to the point, but reflecting on the journey has reminded me of the importance of keeping things in perspective. It’s easy to get caught up in the rigours of life and forget how far you’ve come. Life comes with a rear-view mirror because it’s important to learn from your experiences. However, it’s just as important not to get caught staring at it.
The reason your front windscreen is bigger than your rear-view mirror is because where you’re going matters more than where you’ve been.
Are you someone that 7-year-old you, would be proud of? Ask yourself the question, but whether the answer is yes or no is of little consequence. That’s the beauty of being young. What matters is who you’re choosing to be right now, in this moment. Every action you take, no matter how small, is a vote for the person you’re striving to become. Make sure you’re working towards becoming someone your future self, ten years from now, would be proud of.
“To do great things, you must first do small things in a great way.” Napolean Hill
Aadi Mittal
School Captain
