One of the most difficult processes in life is learning how to say goodbye. Throughout my time at St Albans School, I have always been aware that my final days at this school would eventually come, I just didn’t anticipate how quickly they would appear.
Firstly, I want to take you back to my first day at St Albans School. I joined in third form, amazed by the size of the school because it was massive and slightly intimidated by the older boys and new teachers. I expected a challenge in settling in, but the boys here took us under their wing, and I quickly became a proud Albanian. Some of you will be sad to know that I hadn’t quite yet built up an aura; I didn’t quite have the walk, but I could certainly talk. I was a rather noisy kid and—supposedly—I had a habit of getting into arguments with teachers, though I still prefer to call them “lengthy discussions.”
Over my time here, thanks to the influence of countless teachers and pupils, I began to mature. But things weren’t always so rosy: there were challenges I faced that defined my experience here and left me with a singular question—how do I learn and grow from this? I believe that question is central to the learning experience and that is why I bring it up. Everyone here will have faced challenges: the maths problem you can’t crack, a friendship that’s come to an end, those school values you can’t remember. Life will throw many things your way, both inside and outside the classroom. The learning journey is finding out how to overcome those challenges through hard work, practice, and courage. It’s how you respond to those stimuli that defines not only your time at school but your entire life. If there’s one thing, I want to encourage you to do as I leave today, it’s rise to meet the challenges you face and knock down the obstacle’s life puts in your path. Regardless of where you stand, make an impact on those you meet and leave them with positivity. Defy the odds, work hard, and you’ll never know what you can achieve, at school and beyond.
This full-school assembly is the last for everyone in the Upper Sixth (and for some in the Fifth Form). We’ve had good times and bad times, and plenty of success in meantime. We rose to the challenges of a changing world, outlasted a pandemic and begun to grow into the leaders this world needs. There is no other group of people I would rather have done this with, you all contributed to making my time her so special. To the departing years: good luck in your exams, work hard, and do yourself proud.
Although I could spend this whole speech reminiscing, I want to offer some thank-yous. First, to the prefect team, whose hard work, late nights, and early mornings have guaranteed the success of so many school events. As a collective, you have been a shining example of what this school should be. Next, to the senior team—Albert, Anouska, Asa, Darcey, Edward, and Freddie. Thank you for going the extra mile and for being a strong support throughout my tenure as Head of School. To the Second Master and the Headmaster: thank you both for guiding me and pushing me to be my best. Finally, my thanks to every member of the St Albans School community: teachers, support staff and
