Leaver Interview | Sophie, Class of 2024

2024-05-31

The 2023-24 academic year is fast coming to a close. Another class of Wellingtonians will soon go out into the world to accomplish great things. Until then, some of our 2024 Leavers are reflecting on their time at Wellington and what lies on the road ahead after graduation.

Sophie came to Wellington as a year 10 pupil, and the experience immediately widened her world. Our academic rigours still challenged her, but she also had greater licence to pursue the things she was really passionate about. In her four years here, she developed a love of physics, which landed her a pupil leadership position on the College STEM Committee. She also had the opportunity to explore Kenya on a recent pupil expedition. The next step on Sophie’s journey is the University of Hong Kong, where she plans to pursue a degree in engineering. Today, she looks back on four years well spent at Wellington.

How long have you attended Wellington? Share your first impressions on your first day.

I came to Wellington in year 10, the very beginning of IGCSE. My first impression of Wellington College was that the campus is huge. And then I met people from different cultural backgrounds, and I was struck by how diverse the community was. I realised that I could learn a lot from my peers.

What has changed during your time at Wellington? What has stayed the same?

I think my personality has stayed the same. Wellington gave me a lot of space to grow in the way that I prefer. I have so many opportunities to express who I am and to express the things I want to do. I have had so many good resources to do what I want to do.

I think the big change was that, when I first came to Wellington, I didn’t have a clear idea of the career that I wanted to pursue. I thought it would be really cool to be a businesswoman. However, after talking with my teachers and a bit of self-discovery, my focus began to narrow, and I realised that I really wanted to pursue a career in engineering. So, I think this was a really unique journey.

Tell us about something you never would have been able to do or experience if you were not a Wellington pupil.

It would have to be this year’s trip to Kenya. I was a bit hesitant to go at first because I was worried it would clash with my revision plans. But I figured this would probably be my only chance to visit Kenya. And I’m so glad I went. I would have regretted it if I had not gone. If I had gone to another school, I don’t think I would have had such a unique opportunity.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Probably in five years, I'll still be on the path of discovery. For undergraduate studies, it's still a chance for us to develop, to build a foundation. But by then, I would definitely want to pursue different aspects of my life. I definitely want to travel more and do more than just study. I don't know what's going to happen in 10 years, but one thing I know is that I'm going to follow my heart and do something I like and have an interest in.

Which Wellington value resonates most with you and why?

Responsibility. I have four siblings in total, and I’m the eldest. So, I’ve always believed that responsibility is the most important value that a person should have. I feel responsible for my family and myself.

What will you miss most about Wellington?

Definitely my friends and the teachers who gave me so much support. I'm not sure when we’ll see each other again.

What advice do you have for next year's year 13 pupils?

I would say the most important thing is to follow the things that you love to do deeply from your heart. If you really have a huge interest in the things that you pursue, it doesn’t matter what other people say. Just do the things you want to do. That's how you can succeed and also be proud of yourself at the end of the day.