Andrew Rhodes (Lights '89)

Bursary Recipient and Managing Director, Semperian Capital Management

“When you reach the top of a mountain and look back down, things always seem so much closer, almost within reach. However, when you cast your mind back to the start of the journey, all you can see is a long, steep and winding path and, more often than not, a few obstacles in the way… I had a few of those obstacles in my early years, but Wellington School saw a route for me. I had to drop down a year to reacclimatise and regain my confidence. I progressed through the School and, with determination and help, even flourished. Then, after a long climb back up and after scaling what I thought was the last peak, another obstacle appeared. Again, in my time of need, Wellington School was there for me. Wellington had seen the effort I had put into the climb and gave me a ladder to help me reach the summit and complete the journey. Where did my journey take me? Central Asia. Africa. Scotland. The City of London. Finally, I became the Managing Director of one of the largest infrastructure investment companies in the country. Wellington School provided me with the support, pastoral care, financial assistance and education that propelled me forward so that in turn, I can give back to enable others to benefit from that same support.”