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The Last Word

By Archie Chittock | Posted: Monday February 26, 2024

My name is Archie Chittock and I'm a proud hostel boy who comes from a small town in West Otago called Tapanui.

I started my time here at OBHS only knowing a couple of boys in what was certainly a different environment to the one I'd previously been so at ease in, where everyone knew each other. I was nervous about the journey that lay ahead, feeling a little bit lost as to where I fitted in. I got through the first few terms just by keeping my head down and trying to stay out of the seniors way.

It didn't take me long to realise that the boys around me were just the same as me. And over the past four years I've really got to know some of these boys and form some pretty cool friendships.

For me, the son of an old boy, it was a case of always knowing that this is the school I would end up at. But it may not have been till about the second term of Year 9 where the reality of just what I was a part of set in. I can vividly remember being a part of the 'Hoops Army' cheering on the blue and white standing beside my mates. It is the moments like this that stick with you. Surrounded by like minded people that help you to understand the legacy we are a part of, and how lucky we are to be at OBHS.

An important lesson I have learnt is the value of connections and what it means to carry your name. This is just as simple as being yourself, owning your mistakes and always giving everything your all.

This will help you later on in life as you never know when you may need to ask someone for a favour, it’s often not what you know but who you know. As the saying goes, "show me your friends, and I'll show you your future". Surrounding yourself with the right people pushes you to be better.

We all came to OBHS for the opportunities it provides. When you're outside the school, everything is about OBHS, don't take that for granted. Be proud of being an OBHS boy, and honour those who came before you. Don't be the guy who gets to the end of his journey here and says, "I could've."