Rising to the challenge – Ethan engineers a path to self-improvement

Challenges can act as a stimulus or a burden. For Ethan Condren they were definitely a spur to greater things, and Trinity provided plenty of them. 

“The thing I enjoyed most about Trinity is how it pushes you to challenge yourself,” he said. 

“If I had the option to do so, I wouldn’t have picked up a sport or a co-curricular. 

“I wouldn’t have challenged myself with Extension 2 Maths, or even picked up English Advanced. 

“Maths and Physics were the subjects that I felt challenged me the most; they were fun, and I got along well with a lot of the class. 

“I am very grateful for what Trinity has done for me.” 

The School challenged him to develop academically and personally, and he responded in kind. 

“Most people determine what a good school is based on their state rankings,” he said. 

“However, I believe that it is just as important to consider how you will grow at the school as well. 

“Trinity is such an amazing school and the character of all the men there is always seen to be set to high standards.” 

The budding engineer undertook one challenge not required by his Year 12 studies – writing a software engineering textbook. 

“Yes, it was my way to procrastinate, but I like to think that it was a more productive form of procrastination. 

“I feel proud of the work I have done in my subjects. 

“The effort I have put into subjects like Maths really makes me look back and be amazed at the progress I made.” 

He even managed to find a positive in his heavy workload, saying: “There was always a lot of work. But over time you get used to it and then you realise that anything less makes life a little bit more boring.” 

His co-curriculars included Berea, ASX Club, and Robotics but his favourite by far was Media Production Crew. 

“An amazing hidden community exists in that space, and I appreciated the opportunities it grants you. 

“Through this activity I was able to contribute to many different events around the school, learn how they operate, and even go in person to see how outside companies operate as well.” 

He found encouragement all around him. 

“I am inspired by so many people – my parents, my teachers, even my friends. Just the passion that everyone has really inspires me to keep going and to continue with my journey. 

“All staff and teachers were really fun and kind. They care so much for our education and go out of their way every day.” 

He found difficulty focusing during study but got around that problem by “taking good breaks and working with others”. 

He has so many fond memories of school he found it difficult to pick favourites, but nominated the Field Studies camp at Woollamia and big CAS events such as Swimming and Athletics titles. 

“Field Studies was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; I don’t think I would ever again be on a camp with my friends for that long. 

“And the CAS competitions were so full of energy that they will be hard to forget.” 

Proving that you don’t have to play sport at the highest level to benefit from it, he said his proudest achievement was being part of an undefeated team in sevenths Football. 

His overall philosophy was to take one day at a time and to ask for help from teachers. 

Ethan was used to an educational environment from a young age. He was brought up on the campus of the Sydney Missionary and Bible College, where his American-born parents worked, his father as a lecturer and his mother as a residential student advisor. 

He plans to study engineering at UNSW and hopes for a career that allows him to “combine my creative skills with my desire to help people”.