I HAVE LEARNT TO CHALLENGE FEARS AND FEEL COMFORTABLE BEING WHO I AM. I HAVE BECOME A MORE DEDICATED INDIVIDUAL WHO KNOWS WHAT MY PASSIONS ARE, WHERE MY STRENGTHS LIE AND HOW TO HELP OTHERS IN THEIR PROGRESSION.
Elise (K)
I used to be intimidated at the thought of singing or even speaking in public. My hands would shake and I’d feel like crying, even after speaking I’d feel suffocated or anxious about what I had just done.
By involving myself in Drama from the beginning, I have learnt to challenge these fears and feel comfortable being who I am, so that when I become someone else in a role I have no hesitations.
I started Music slightly later, when I went into Year 10, taking jazz lessons with a professional musician who taught me to sing what I feel and encouraged me to take risks. After a couple of shaky performances I learnt to use the flair I had acquired from Drama and become another character when I sang.
This does not mean I am not myself when I perform. If anything, by embracing the co-curricular offering, I have seen what I could be, and I strive to become that or better. That philosophy is applicable to all areas of my Bradfield life, whether it is enjoying the performing arts, studying in the classroom or competing on the sports pitch.
Before Bradfield, I considered myself a sprinter and a netball player and a football player to some degree… that very quickly changed. I started hockey and with the help of some excellent coaches I reached the 2ndXI. I am glad I continued my football, as I am now the proud Captain of the 1stXI and excited for the season ahead.
The great thing about the about the Co-Curricular Programme is that it is never really too late. Why not perform in a play in your last year at Bradfield? Why not take charge of House Song because you are passionate about doing well and improving as a collective? And why not use the skills you have learnt since your very first day at Bradfield to become an ambassador for a global charity, focusing on community and self-improvement?
What I have learnt about myself in this process is the need to find the right balance between co-curricular and academic studies. I have become a more organised person and, truthfully, I have become a more dedicated individual who knows what my passions are, where my strengths lie and how to help others in their progression.
