The Road Autumn 2020

DAMASCUS COLLEGE CAPTAIN
WILLIAM SMITH
It is a privilege to have the role of College Captain, striving to be a
positive role model that younger students can look up to. I am most
looking forward to the opportunities to work with staff and students of
the representative council for my second year in a row.
Initially, I didn’t know a lot about Damascus College, apart from
having some relatives who had gone to the school. However, after
attending the open night, I didn’t want to go anywhere else as I knew
this was the school for me. I am now heading into my final year of
secondary school after being at Damascus since year 7, having
been taught many values that have made me the person I am. What
I enjoy most about Damascus is the caring nature from students and
staff and how they embrace all students, allowing everyone to have
a go no matter their ability.
I have many favourite memories at Damascus College. Year 9 camp
is one that stays in my mind. Before this, I was never a tremendous
lover of camps and didn’t like being away from home. However,
going on camp with a great group of friends helped me get the most
out of the event and grow as an individual. The Year 12 retreat was
also a memorable experience, enabling the year level to build closer
relationships and recognise the support available for us in our final
year.
I have lived in Ballarat for most of my life and had all of my schooling
there but have spent a few months living in Queensland when I
was younger. I’m a part of a wonderful family consisting of my twin
brother, my mum and my dad. Family is very important to me, and
without the support they have given me, I wouldn’t be where I am
today.
Outside of school, I play soccer for Ballarat City FC; this will be my
sixth year. This requires three training sessions a week with a match
at either Ballarat or Melbourne on the weekend, teaching me many
leadership qualities as well as a range of organisational skills to
maintain a school-life balance. Additionally, I spend a lot of time
composing and producing music, allowing me to get my creative
energy out. In the future, my dream is to be a professional soccer
player or music producer, travelling the world and experiencing
different cultures!
To all of the students starting Year 7, my advice is to participate in as
many things as possible, whether it be an after school sport, drama
groups, ensembles, debating or much more. There are places where
you can meet a range of new people with similar interests to you,
allow friendships to be formed or simply create familiar faces around
the school. This can definitely help with what can be a daunting
experience entering a new school become a lot easier.
This year I will try my very best to be the best leader I can and I am
really looking forward to what the year holds.
19