Captains' Corner | College Captain, Jacob Montaner

Last Friday afternoon, several Seniors kindly decorated the corridor outside Student Services with Head of the River propaganda. The following Monday, there were reports of students and teachers alike stopping just to marvel at its beauty. I cannot blame them.  On Saturday 10 March, the official 'bye' round for Cricket and Volleyball, clear your schedule, hop on a bus and have the time of your life and support the rowers at the Head of the River. 

When I was in Year 8 I found myself one morning tea alone at the back of Level 6, presumably collecting my books early for class. Crouched down at my dark blue locker, trying to navigate my way through the mess inside, I was shocked to hear a deep voice directed at me. Looking up, I was met with the bright-eyed, smiling face of Thomas Murphy, then Mahoney House Captain. Being small, easily intimidated and at the bottom of the pecking order, any man in a white shirt other than my buddy was initially frightening. Tom proceeded to engage me in conversation. I do not remember the words exchanged, but rather, I remember how he made me feel. Special, included and appreciated. From then on, Tom and I were mates. Should Tom have chosen to stay quiet that day, I doubt that would have ever been the case. 

Starting a conversation with someone you previously had no connection with can be exceedingly difficult. On the other hand, it can be exceedingly easy, like a Senior saying “G’day” or “How are you going?” to a Year 5 student. I challenge you to start one ‘hard’ conversation and one ‘easy’ conversation a week until the end of the year. That is potentially 88 new friends and potentially 88 significant impacts on people’s lives. Good luck. With these conversations we can stand together, shoulder to shoulder.