The Bridge caught up with the new Head of Geography and former pupil... MR THAPER What are the big differences between HGS then and now? HGS has not changed at all! The buildings are the same, some of the staff are the same and even my some of my friends are the same! The School seemed bigger when I was here, but coming back on the other side I have realised that it’s actually quite small! Favourite teacher when you were at school? This is a tough question, we always like the teachers that never shouted! This has to be Maths Campbell or Mr Mohammed, or the funny ones like Mrs Donoghue or Mrs Minhas. Best moment at school/funniest moment? I actually can’t answer this question, because the teachers involved are still here but to this day my School friends and I still laugh about it! Naughtiest thing you did at school? I wasn’t actually naughty in School! I realised very quickly that the easiest way to get through School was to just get on with it. Are you still in touch with your school friends? Of course, we all still meet up regularly. Funnily enough, my best mate from school is still my best mate 16 years later! Advice to 16 year old Sahil? Stop eating! 16 year old Mr Thaper was about five stone heavier than I am now (it was not a good look)! Hobbies? I really enjoying travelling and so I try to get away a lot... whether it’s weekend concerts in Europe with my mates or lying on the beach in Sri Lanka with my girlfriend! I also (surprisingly) enjoy politics, swimming, chillin’ with my friends and recently I seem to go to a lot of concerts?! Favourite Geographical feature? Cities! I really don’t like being outside (which is bizarre because I am a Geography teacher) Favourite Place to Live? I would love to live in Manhattan! Every time I go to New York it’s pretty hard to get me to leave! Dream Holiday Destination? I really want to visit North Korea before it opens to the outside World, but oddly no- one will go with me! Motto for life? YOLO. a full athletic scholarship which was worth nearly £25,000 per year at a leading private university. I continued to achieve sporting awards including state championships and “All American” honours, which enabled me to compete throughout more than 30 states in American and Canada. Several of my friends and peers became professionals in the NFL, NBA, NBL, Premiership and Olympics. I cherish my adventures as an international student athlete and it has undoubtedly provided me with opportunities for life. I learnt that the difference between succeeding and not being competitive is putting in that additional 10% effort. Irrespective of your discipline or activity putting in that extra 10% can mean the difference between having a tremendously successful experience versus not achieving your true potential. Mr King 49