Striking up conversations with boys across the School is something I’ve been working on. Not having a set direction or specific subject to discuss often leads to surprising outcomes, allowing me to learn more about their day or what they look forward to. I like to think these casual interactions make me more approachable and help bridge the distance between us. Many have told me that Aadi and I often seem hard to approach, and most boys don’t initiate conversations unless we do it first.
Learning about their lives has been quite interesting discovering their favourite subjects, teachers, or hobbies reminds me of my own school days, chatting with friends about memes or weekend games. Asking about what videogames they play gives me a glimpse into their personalities. For example:
- Fortnite fans are usually happy-go-lucky
- FIFA or NBA 2K players tend to be sporty
- Grand Theft Auto lovers come off as the “cool kids”
- World of Tanks enthusiasts are often the nerdy type
These small interactions help me connect with them on a personal level by discussing things they genuinely enjoy, and they always seem so surprised when I know these things, and I tell them that I’m not that much older than you guys.
Another thing I’ve noticed is how much boys have in common, regardless of age. Once, a Junior School boy asked if I knew the ” greeting bro code.” When I asked what he meant, he explained:
- With friends, it’s a quick upward head tilt and a “What’s up?”
- With teachers or elders, it’s a respectful nod and “Hello”
This mannerism is common in the Senior School too (both the boys and the staff do it), which goes to show that certain male behaviours tend to transcend age groups.
Overall, I’d encourage senior students and staff to strike up conversations with people around the campus. It’s a great way to strengthen our community, and we often share more similarities than we realise.
Tiger Liu
Vice Captain
