The Last Word

By Gunha Park | Posted: Tuesday June 17, 2025

From the moment I walked through the archway beginning my time at this school, countless times the phrase “make the most of it” has been said to me.

But as I planned this Last Word, living out my final year, I began to wonder: have I really made the most of my time here? Quite frankly, I cannot say that I have. Many opportunities I let pass me by, many hours I spent unwisely, and many times I let fear and failure restrict me. It's the obvious truth that we all have, and will have, regrets.

There will always be something in our past we wish we had done sooner or wish we had not done at all. Whether it be not trying hard enough for something we wanted to achieve, not training hard enough for a desired sport, not studying hard enough for an important assessment, or having committed an action that caused trouble for ourselves or even for others—these regrets remain in us all and will always be undeniably present, unavoidable.

But if there’s one thing,one thing from my time here, that I can be certain I will never regret, it is the times I have spent here sharing a laugh with my peers. It may seem insignificant, barely noticeable, but it is the small moments shared with our mates every day that will come to an end, and likely be yearned for the most in the days to come.

To this day, I look back to Year 9, a year I was sure I couldn't wait to pass, being new and last in line for everything, with only greater things to look forward to. But now, I find myself only coming across the ‘good times’—the memories and experiences I can look back on with a grin on my face and a sense of appreciation.

Ultimately, from my time here, what I have learned is that what may currently seem like nothing, or something you can't wait to escape from, might be all you have left to look back on in the future, only then realising how much more precious that time was than it seemed. From this, I simply remind you all to live and embrace each moment; don’t take our limited time here for granted. We are all aware of the endless opportunities our school has to offer, but I believe the biggest opportunity that often goes unnoticed is the chance to create memories, connections, and bonds that will last as long as this castle has and will. I am not saying the academic, sporting, and cultural aspects of this school are less important than the times you spend joking with your mates, but I am simply reminding us all to cherish and be grateful for each moment given, no matter how big or small. Whether it’s a math class on a Thursday, training after school on a Tuesday, or the interval we’ll shortly head into—times like these are all opportunities given to us to create memories, times we will gladly look back on without regret, times we will certainly miss.

Obviously, there are other matters in our lives that could be more important than simply making memories with our mates, such as pursuing a goal or even a dream. So, go hard in doing so, follow your path and work hard for it. However, while you work towards your goals, whatever they may be, never forget that the most important part of our lives is the relationships within it. Chase success, but once in a while, always remember to look around and appreciate the people around you and the moment soon to become a memory. Each yarn, game, class, interval, training, and laugh, none of these last forever, as nothing lasts forever. Trust me, you will never regret nor forget the times you and your mates decide to enjoy some banter, because in the end, how can you possibly regret something that has made you smile? Dreams are important, but memories are also worth making. So work hard for your goals, but also be sure to cherish the small moments with those seated around you and create some joyous episodes along your way. Our time left here is short, so let’s work to surely be a step closer to ‘making the most of it,’ as it is never the years in our life that count, it’s the life in our years. And in true Boys High fashion, I’ll end with a quote: “You ain’t a kid no more, we’ll never be those kids again.” Frank Ocean.