Gavin Stollar, a Beal alumnus gave a truly motivation talk to the Year 12s in April to encourage them to both work hard in their studies and to also have high aspirations in their respective futures.
There were several themes during the talk but one of key themes was that a person should not be determined by where they come from but rather where that person eventually ends up. ‘Be defined by where you are going, not where you come from’.
Another key theme was that ‘You can’t control other people, but you can control your reactions to them’.
Gavin who grew up in Longwood Gardens close to Barkingside High Street has now been awarded an OBE, meeting the current King Charles III in the process and Gavin has also been on television as a commentator.
What made his talk particularly compelling was the fact that Gavin was not initially identified as a ‘highflier’ and was not in the top sets in Year 7. Even applying for university was initially considered potentially ‘overreaching’ for Gavin but after the University of Birmingham Gavin later attended Harvard Business School and further success was soon to follow.
The question and answer session after the main talk showed how Gavin had captured the attention of the Year 12s and was of real benefit to the students.
We very much look forward to having Gavin back to speak to the new Year 12s next academic year.
Mr. Matheson – April 2025
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