Flying the nest from Loughborough Grammar School four years ago was a particularly strange and bewildering time in my personal life. After being within the foundation for fourteen years, from the home comforts of Fairfield to gaining increased independency during Six Form, I had become very comfortable and happy, thus, change was certainly daunting. However, since, I have had some incredible times tackling university for three years down in Exeter, continuing my passions of economics and rugby which developed during my time at LGS. My time at Exeter gave me a new perspective of life yet, I have always been keen to maintain my connection with Loughborough Grammar School. That has been through a range of mediums; social media, the alumni newsletter and the occasional gossip from my sister who is still currently attending the High School. Therefore, whenever I have had the opportunity to reconnect with the school, whether that be attending a 1st XV rugby match or the CCF Inspection Day I have leaped at opportunity. I’m looking forward to attending the CCF parade on the Quad once again in May!
This brings me to why I am writing this short piece! This year, I decided to step away from education, to take a gap year and travel some of the world! I was very lucky to visit countries in both Asia and Oceania however, one particular country gave me an opportunity once again to reconnect with LGS…Sri Lanka. I initially wasn’t going to visit Sri Lanka however, after inspiration from fellow backpackers and social media I booked a flight and gladly departed the party culture of Thailand. Instead, my next two weeks would consist of me driving my own rented Tuk Tuk around the wonders of Sri Lanka. What a stunning country! From tea plantations in the mountains to surfing on the beach I loved my time there, surrounded by wonderful Sri Lankans, I couldn’t have asked for a better time. However, my most fulfilling and wholesome experience during my time in Sri Lanka was a visit to Batukanaththa School. Batukanaththa School was rebuilt after the devastating Boxing Day Tsunami by donations from LGS via the charity Rebuilding Sri Lanka. Throughout my time at the foundation, Rebuilding Sri Lanka was often the priority charity and therefore, I thought it would be meaningful to pay a visit.
On my final day in Sri Lanka, driving back to the airport I took my Tuk Tuk into rural Sri Lanka. A few winding roads and one final dirt track later I reached Batukanaththa School. Unfortunately, it was the weekend however, a couple of members of staff were there to greet me. I explained my visit and a few pupils also came to say hello. The staff took me on a tour of the entire school and also gave me an opportunity to speak to the headteacher on the phone for which I was very grateful for. After a couple photos with the LGS plaque, I left behind a donation of exercise books and some stationary to maintain the schools connection before heading onwards to the airport.
Although a brief visit, it was amazing to see the impact of LGS so far away from home. To see a school with over 60 pupils clearly thriving from the schools charity was both inspiring and made the £2 own clothes day seem so undervalued! From a charity which was discussed in assembly throughout all my years at the foundation to seeing its influence in person was a great privilege. What a difference charity really can make. I would highly recommend to any alumni visiting Sri Lanka, you will never regret it!
Finley Parsons
