Sen Shanmugasivam's (1994-2001) Merchant Taylors' Story
‘Being provided with the opportunity I was given changes the trajectory of your life. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it hadn’t been for Merchant Taylors’ School.’ – Sen Shanmugasivam, June 2023.
To describe my bursary as being transformational would be an understatement. I came to Merchant Taylors’ from a primary school that didn’t have the resources to really nurture its pupils. At Merchant Taylors’, success was encouraged through attentive teachers and supportive peers. The opportunity I was given can change the trajectory of your life. Where I am today, and my attitude to work, owes a great deal to my formative years at Merchant Taylors’.
I am honest about my first few years in the school: I was well off the pace. At times, it was demoralising. But the way I was able to progress was a reflection of the environment at the school. Taylors’ did not give up on me – it gave me time. It is one thing to have accomplished teachers, but that doesn’t guarantee academic improvement. Everyone was encouraged to do their very best – and that was matched by a school ethos of politeness, respect and teamwork. I will never forget English A levels and the way one member of the class organised additional study sessions so we could help each other learn. My eventual A grade owes a lot to that.
You really don’t forget your inspirational teachers. My tutor and first French teacher, Mr Moon, was rather frightening but had a genuine belief in everyone. I will never forget his enthusiastic nodding when I finally managed to string together some proper French. You had to earn that recognition and the feeling it produced made me want to work harder.
My Economics teachers, Mr Carr-Hill, and Mr Powell, also deserve a special mention. They made me passionate about the subject, applied it to the real world and convinced me to pursue Economics at university when I was fixed on studying English Literature. As it happens, my future career would bring together both disciplines.
As I hit my stride and felt like I belonged, school was so enjoyable. In part that was because it wasn’t just about academic achievement but also knowing how to make the most of the whole experience, which increasingly involved sport and other activities. The school also did a great job in keeping you grounded, and we never lost sight of how fortunate we were. Staying humble and thinking of others felt like core beliefs from day one.
I was given an opportunity that seemed out of reach, and I vowed to give back when I was able to do so. I am so grateful for what the school did for me and making a monthly gift is the least I can do.
To those who are supporting bursaries, you are not only changing the life trajectory of someone like me, but also contributing to a much richer experience for everyone that will call themselves an OMT.