Prefect Perspective

Nelson Mandela once said, “I never lose. I either win or learn.”

Take a moment to think about that. How often do we worry about what’s coming next? The next big test, the next season, the next challenge. It’s natural to feel uncertain about the future, maybe even afraid.

But, what if, instead of facing the future with fear, we embraced it with excitement and courage?

I had to ask myself this question when I made one of the biggest decisions of my life: leaving my home in Germany and travelling across the world to Canada. When I joined Albert College and moved into boarding, I left behind everything familiar—my family, friends and routines. I had no idea what to expect.

Would I fit in? Would I succeed? Had I even made the right choice?

I won’t lie; I was scared. But, over time, I learned something important: stepping into the unknown isn’t something to fear. It’s something to embrace. And today, I have the great honour of standing before you as a prefect, sharing my story.

Stepping out of your comfort zone, trying new things, and even facing setbacks—these are all part of life. But it’s these very challenges, like adapting to a new country, making new friends, and adjusting to life at Albert, that have helped me grow in ways I never imagined. Looking back, I know I made the right choice. Because courage isn’t about being fearless—it’s about moving forward despite the fear.

This same courage applies to all of us at Albert College, and can even be applied within the Five ‘A’s:

• In Academics, courage is raising your hand even when unsure if your answer is right.
• In Athletics, it’s stepping onto the field, not knowing if you’ll win or lose, but giving 100% anyway.
• In the Arts, it’s performing in front of others, even when your heart is racing.
• In Active Citizenship, it’s standing up for what you believe in, even when it’s difficult.
• In Adventure, it’s taking risks, stepping outside your comfort zone, and discovering what you’re truly capable of.

The future isn’t something to fear, it’s something to embrace. Every challenge we face, every obstacle we overcome, makes us stronger.

As we move forward, whether it’s a new sport, a higher grade, or a new challenge, don’t be afraid of what’s ahead. Face it with courage and excitement, because every great achievement starts with one small step forward. Courage isn’t about having no fear at all, it’s about not letting fear stop us.

No matter where you are, whether this is your final year of high school, your journey at Albert College has just begun, or you’re still figuring out your path, I hope you take that first step.

So, I’ll leave you with this: What if, instead of fearing the future, you ran towards it?

- Ferdinand Hardt, Grade 12 student and Graham Hall Prefect