The British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua is one of the best examples of success as a result of participation. After a troubled childhood, he decided to take up boxing at the age of 18 years old and despite his late start, he managed to win a Gold Medal at the London Olympics only five years after he had started. And only four years later he became the World Heavyweight Champion. Anthony Joshua’s journey shows how trying something new can change anyone’s life story and put them on a path of personal improvement and satisfaction.
Participation is more than just about being present; it is about actively contributing and being involved in anything and everything you do. This could be fully engaging in class, or trying your hardest on a sports field, or simply turning up and giving your all at after school practice or play rehearsals.
So why is proper participation valuable? One benefit is that it can allow opportunities for people to discover a hidden skill they have. There are countless success stories, such as Anthony Joshua’s, where people have tried out something new and achieved great success in it, reaching the top of their respective fields. However there are many more stories of people who have participated in something and simply found a great sense of enjoyment from it. Simply by participating in something new you could discover new skills, friends and pastimes which last you a lifetime. Or you could simply see new sides of people which you may have never seen before.
In my personal experience, I did exactly that when I signed up to my first school drama production with a few of my friends. Not only did I learn more about and get closer to my existing friends but I also made new friends along the way and found a different kind of enjoyment from what I get on a sports field. So the question is, why not participate and try new things? At the RGS, we are lucky to have access to a broad range of activities and opportunities that can appeal to all of each and everyone’s different interests. These opportunities are so easily accessible and, in life, you won’t get a better chance to try them.
And so, don’t regret not trying something, don’t regret missing an opportunity… and as sports coaches say, “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”.
Luke Miranda
Senior Prefect