HENRY EGLINTON 2020 College Dux
2020 was a year of success for Henry Eglinton, who carried off the Wacher Prize for Academic Head of School.
While the possibility of becoming Dux was often in the back of his mind throughout the year, his focus was on each test as it happened. “I broke it down to one test at a time and that way it takes a bit of pressure off. If you look at it in those proportions, it makes it easier. And it was really important to look past the occasional disappointing result. When you’ve slipped, it helps you to refocus and pick up your game. Sometimes it’s good to fail – it shows you what you need to work on.” Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Statistics and English made up Henry’s courses, and he trialled different studying techniques, rather than just writing out notes. “It’s important to have a range of techniques to keep you interested. I found flashcards helped with active recall, and there are phone apps that you can use for 10 minutes of quick study here and there. Doing past papers is critical, too, and you can always get hold of those.” All the preparation in the world doesn’t equate to sitting an actual examination, and Henry concedes even though he is a calm character
there is always “a step up from in-class tests” and a brief moment of unease before he settles into a rhythm. “We’re very lucky here at College where the resources and the teachers are top-notch. I think people can surprise themselves when they aim high, work hard and give things a crack.” Henry’s year was diverse apart from the academic focus. He was a Chapel
Prefect and enjoyed being part of the prefect group. He got involved with the kapa haka group, took a “virtual” examination in Public Communication Skills for his ATCL from Trinity College London, was captain of the 2nd XI cricket team, played in the 2nd XI football side,
and played social basketball. In 2021 he will study Health
Sciences First Year at the University of Otago, “with the hope of doing medicine.” With both parents doctors, and countless relations working in the medical field, he thought briefly of doing something else, but his lifelong environment swayed his opinion.
“We’re very lucky here at College where the resources and the teachers are top-notch. I think people can surprise themselves when they aimhigh,work hard and give things a crack.” Henry Eglinton
College Issue 40 2021
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