To Dr Gamblin, bravery is linked to the first steps of courage. It’s taking the first steps to talk to someone new, seeking help when you are lost, running that little bit faster on the hockey pitch, trying a new club, taking on a new challenge, giving a talk, or learning a new skill. All of these things and more require a brave first step.
But what does being brave mean if you’re a student at CLC?
“I feel being brave and courageous is important in people’s lives because without that edge of adventure, you would be dull and have no ambitions. You can start by just trying something you’re afraid of, and try to overcome it.
“I am brave because I feel able to stand out from the crowd and be my own person.
“Here at College, everyone has different personalities, so we can all learn and grow from one another and everyone can say what they truly believe in, and that displays true personalities and bravery from all of us.”
“Braveness can be a part of a physical action that you may take but what people don’t know is that most of the time it’s actually about feeling exposed but pushing through and overcoming difficult situations. It’s also trusting yourself even if you have doubts, trying new things even if you don’t want to, or pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and taking risks but seeing them through. It’s not being afraid of failure and getting back up when you get pushed down.
“At College, being brave has led me to jump for every opportunity that comes towards me, helping me persevere through activities or experiences so I can push myself. It’s speaking out about issues I personally face day to day, but also speaking out on international matters which I find unfair or inhumane. Being brave is one of many ways that you can achieve your full potential.”
“Bravery is vital for facing new challenges and stepping out of my comfort zone. It is the driving force behind my achievements. By embracing bravery at CLC, I have built resilience and self-confidence, empowering me to take more risks and pursue my passion and achieve my goals.
“One of the many examples of me being brave includes taking the responsibility to lead House Music, which is one of the biggest school events of the entire year.
“Bravery is the reason why 800 students now attend CLC. If it weren’t because of the founders of CLC being brave to act against the societal norms to provide an “academically sound education for girls”, we wouldn’t be here at all. This act of bravery has unlocked a world full of opportunities for many girls, including myself.”
“One example of when I have displayed bravery, was when I took part in my first ever lacrosse match for CLC. As this was a new sport for me, I did not have any of the fundamental ball skills to essentially play the game, and not wanting to be embarrassed, I jumped at the chance to play in goal…
“I put on my slightly oversized kit and a helmet that partially concealed my view of the pitch (a pretty crucial part to saving goals) and went through my first ever goalie warm up. The first goal I ever saved can only be described as a headshot!
“Fast forward a year and a half, and I showed more bravery in my lacrosse journey when I trialled for the England Lacrosse Academy. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be positive and we should all be brave every now and then!”
“I have always been struck by the idea that bravery is qualified not by lack of fear, but by doing something in spite of fear. This is certainly the case for me; I have felt my bravest when I was most afraid.
“I felt brave when I delivered a speech at school on a topic that fascinated me, and I felt brave when I pushed myself to take on a new leadership role.
“I have learnt as much from the times when I was brave as from the times when I was not. The feeling of regret after avoiding a scary opportunity stays with me more than the feeling of accomplishment if I do it. You never regret being brave, but you do regret not trying.”
“I am always blown away with how brave the pupils at College are with their work, approach to lessons, approach to each other, understanding the issues of the day locally, nationally and internationally, making positive relationships to empower each other.” – Dr Gamblin, Vice Principal Academic
This is bravery. This is CLC.
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