What do you most look forward to each day at St Andrew’s Cathedral School? What makes it special?
The people. I always look forward to School, because I can finally see my friends again. I don’t know what the world looks like if I didn’t go to St Andrew’s Cathedral School, but I doubt I could have found such an eclectic, yet perfect group of people I am proud to call friends anywhere else (maybe the city air changes us).
“I doubt I could have found such an eclectic, yet perfect group of people I am proud to call friends anywhere else.”
Has attending the School changed your outlook on life? If so, in what way?
I think the most significant difference on my outlook came from Philosophy class. It allowed me to not only develop my beliefs, but to see the strengths of other arguments (as well the many weaknesses).
The biggest individual transformation in my beliefs is probably my increasing, although not absolute, belief in effective altruism (that I must do the most possible good).
How has your faith been challenged/transformed by attending the School?
I think it is my view of other people’s faith that has been transformed. When I think of someone holding a belief, I try to think of the best person I know who holds that belief.
St Andrew’s Cathedral School has given me so many examples of deeply moral, smart people of faith that I now aspire to think of them when I think of Christians.
What’s your favourite subject? Why? Any inspirational teachers?
I’m deeply conflicted between Maths, Philosophy, and Computer Science because they all allow me to do problem solving. You get to break down problems and test solutions. Also, there are right answers (even in philosophy).
I think another reason why I loved these subjects are the teachers. In philosophy, I’ve been lucky enough to have been taught by Dr Hall (iconic, we all stan Dr Hall).
In Mathematics, I was lucky enough to have my love in mathematics kindled by some amazing teachers, especially Mr Tsang (I still remember the extension activities and puzzles), Mr Geha (always willing to hear out an interesting Maths question) and Mr Perry (I will never forget the derivative of the inside again).
I have forever loved Maths, but without that teaching I don’t know whether I would have strived to continue in it. Mr Thill taught us that in computer science, you need to have a good idea, AND communicate it well (it’s all about “making the implicit, explicit” as he would say).
Do you have a few lasting memories of St Andrew’s Cathedral School or a story you’d like to share?
When I was in Year 11, I debated in the Senior A debating team. We made it to octofinals, and when we were there I still remember our third speaker getting up and giving a speech that was funny and effective (our third speaker was iconic). Afterwards, it was over. I was sad because we were a great team that would never debate again because half the team was graduating. But even more so I am happy to have had the opportunity to do it in the first place.
What do you hope to do next year and in your future?
Next year, I want to study Pure Mathematics and Computer Science at UNSW.
After that, I’m conflicted. Research, industry, helping to build Roko’s Basilisk, I don’t know. But I do know that if I’m not solving problems, challenging myself, and making an impact, I won’t be satisfied.
