The word sting can conjure many thoughts and meanings. It’s what a wasp or bee does. It’s the former lead singer of 80’s super group The Police. Or it’s a short piece of music used in movies, television series, or what have you to punctuate a scene and evoke an emotion and create atmosphere.
Classic among stings is the famous Shock Horror A. This five second piece will be known to anyone who watches old movies or comedy shows. Originally the “dun dun Daaaaaarn” was used in serious drama but as time progressed the sound became a parody (also known as “dun, dun, dun”, see this link as words do this no justice - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8j7bxJWlffE). For example, if we were to use it in a scene from Star Wars. In the episode The Empire Strikes Back hero, Luke Skywalker learns that arch villain Darth Vader is actually his father. After a raging battle, in a futuristic setting, with elevated dramatic tension and light sabres (laser swords), Luke clings precariously by one hand above what seems to be an infinite chasm. “I am your father Luke”, the smooth bass voice intones from Darth Vader’s high-tech helmet (with integrated breathing apparatus), cue the sting, “dun, dun, dun”, shock, horror, the bad guy is Luke’s father? This is surprising stuff, who would have thought! Here is a reasonable use for a sting such as this.
The man behind this legendary piece of movie backdrop is a gent called Dick Walter. Dick would say that it’s no easier to compose a five to fifteen second piece than a longer one. You can have all the knowledge you want but if you don’t have the skills to apply and manipulate that knowledge, then you are tuneless.
An excellent Eddies example of how skills can make a difference is the young man who spoke at our academic Awards Assembly today. We listened to Max Ivanovic’s journey via a video he had previously prepared. Max graduated from the College in 2018 and is currently at the Australian National University continuing his Economics degree. The impressive aspect to Max’s journey is that as a 21-year-old he has gained experience working with the Australian Capital Territory government, and now with global consulting firm Deloittes.
Max mentioned that his Eddies connections were invaluable in linking with people who could assist him and also, in not so many words, that the skills he developed here at Eddies were in no small part responsible for his opportunities today.
In the 21st Century, if our young men are to be independent, employable and ready to make a difference, they will need to be armed with the skills that allow them to manipulate and apply the knowledge they have or will learn. In the classroom they will learn to analyse, create and evaluate. As part of a holistic education, beyond the classroom they will develop the ability to relate, collaborate and communicate.
Getting good marks is still warranted and important. It’s in the context of learning knowledge that Eddies Men develop their skills. However, we now live in a world where Generation Z will have up to 18 jobs and at least 3 careers in a lifetime. Given two individuals with identical experiences, good marks, active service and involvement in sport or community activities, it will be the young person who has developed the skills to apply their knowledge and crucially articulate those skills who will succeed on the day. Cue Shock Horror A. "dun, dun, dun".
