This week we are doing things a little differently and featuring a current Boarder Success Story.
Let us introduce Tyson Williams, a year 12 Cranbrook student who hails from Jervis Bay on the NSW South Coast. Tyson’s recent achievements and testimonial for Boarding Schools Expo is a shining example of the incredible opportunities that Boarding Schools can offer to students.
Tyson joined Cranbrook three years ago through the School’s indigenous scholarship program and has thrived at Cranbrook. This year he was selected to participate in the Indigenous Aboriginal Engineering Summer School (IAESS) Program at Curtin University in Perth.
Out of the 24 students who attended the week-long intensive course, Tyson was the only student from NSW. The course was established over 14 years ago by non-profit organization Engineering Aid Australia and is designed to introduce studetns to the different fields of engineering, the opportunities within the industry and a forum to meeting engineering role models.
As a further accomplishment, Tyson was the only student on the program to be then offered a position onto the University Civil Engineering Course after he completes the HSC this year. Tim Keely, Engineering Outreach Coordinator at Curtin University commented that “Tyson stood out with his seize the day attitude”.
Cranbrook Headmaster, Mr Nicholas Sampson added: “Tyson should be very proud of his tremendous achievement which is a reflection of both his academic diligence, and his outstanding interpersonal skills.”
PROFILE
Name: Tyson Williams
Age: 17 years old
Home Town: Jervis Bay, NSW
1. What boarding school do you go to?
Cranbrook School in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs
2. What has been your best experience at Boarding School?
The opportunities that have been offered to me here at Cranbrook such as learning Chinese really stand out in my mind. I would not have had this opportunity if I’d stayed at my previous school. Also, the feeling of camaraderie that exists amongst the Boarders particularly during weekend events such as go-karting.
3. What is your favourite aspect of Boarding School?
My favourite aspect is the feeling of independence and the confidence which comes with that. I also really like the studying atmosphere that exists in the Boarding Houses. It really is a great environment in which to focus on your studies and it will set us up for University life and beyond.
4. What are your plans for next year?
I am really keeping my options open. I am considering taking 6 months sabbatical and head to China to teach English. I am very keen also, however, to start at University so I will have a few decisions to make soon!
5. Has anything you learnt at boarding school helped you make decisions for your future?
I have learnt that I am able to live anywhere and focus myself wherever I am. The Boarding experience has given me the confidence and the self-knowledge to be able to move anywhere within Australia or overseas, and be able to not only manage the change, but also thrive and enjoy it.
6. Any advice for other young kids going to boarding school?
First few days at Boarding School can be daunting but my advice is to stick with it as it all gets easier. You find friends that you will regard as your ‘brothers’ before long.