This week's 'Conversation With' was with Joint Head of College, Rhys Ash. Now in Year 13, Rhys joined Shiplake in Year 9 from Crosfields School. A keen rower, Rhys was part of the 1st VIII that reached the semi-finals of Henley Royal Regatta last summer and also represented Great Britain in the 8+ at the Coupe de la Jeunesse, coming home with a gold and silver medal.
What does a day in the life of Rhys Ash entail?
Typically I will drive to school, and begin my day early, arriving around 7.15am. I use the time before check to think about the day ahead and prepare myself. After check, there is usually an assembly or chapel service to attend. I then have lessons or an independent study period. Lunch for me usually means some form of rowing. This is usually in the gym and could be doing weights or on the rowing machine. Both are hungry work, so the food is always welcome and I feel so lucky to have such amazing food offered daily. Lessons in the afternoon are followed by either CCF, where I am part of the Army section or rowing on the river, sometimes followed by more training on the rowing machines. I then settle down and try and do some work.
I prefer to get my work done in school and then relax when I go home, so I work in school until around 7.00pm before I go home.
What do you study and why?
I am currently studying Biology, Chemistry and Maths to pursue my dream of becoming a vet. They were somewhat a means to an end, but I love the way that you can apply all three subjects to everyday life and explain everyday observations.
What made you want to follow a career towards becoming a vet?
I love animals and the great outdoors, and I like to see that my work has a direct benefit to others. I am an active kind of person and so I could never work in a 9-5 office job. I also think that vets have the potential to make such a positive impact on the world, seeing as animals play such a considerable role in our society. I also think that the current rate of species extinction is tragic and a vet can help advocate for animals and promote their welfare, whether they are wild or domesticated.
What do you like most about being at Shiplake?
I love the way Shiplake supports its students. It is a kind of support that allows you to be independent but help is never too far away when you need it. I also love the fact that Shiplake is dog-friendly, if only I could bring my dog into school!
You are a part of Shiplake's rowing club. What is that like and what's your training scheme entail?
The rowing at Shiplake is intense, but there is a culture of hard work and dedication which has started to show in the results and will continue to breed success in the future. We train 2-3 times per day and this is both in the gym and off the water. I enjoy the team aspect of rowing and whenever academics become stressful, rowing is a great release.
What else do you like to do in your spare time?
I don't have much spare time but I enjoy spending it with my family or going for a dog walk. I also love listening to music, and although I have absolutely ZERO talent in this area, I am currently trying to teach myself guitar.
What surprised you most when you joined Shiplake?
To be honest, I think I felt that I might get lost in the sea of garishly striped blazers and that maybe I would find it hard to be an individual. I'm glad to say that I found these assumptions to be false and that despite the number of stripy blazers around, the wearer can an individual that stands out for their own reasons.
Who would you say your hero is?
I think it would have to be someone like Oscar Wilde. I really respect people who try and tackle adversity and have the will and strength to carry on. I also love the quote 'Be yourself; everyone else is taken'.
Who's your favourite teacher?
As my tutor and chemistry teacher, I have to say Dr D'Rozario - he is so passionate about chemistry and even on a bad day you can't help but have a laugh and learn a lot at the same time.
