From the Principal #93

During these challenging times, we have all had to learn to be a little more patient. Whether that be waiting in a queue, waiting for a bus or even waiting for a test result – we have all had to be patient.

But what is patience? Patience is the ability to endure difficult circumstances such as perseverance in the face of delay; tolerance of provocation without responding in annoyance or anger; and I get that – it makes sense. But to me, patience is not about the ability to wait but how you act while you are waiting.

We have been waiting quite some time now for the result of the US election – is it Joe Biden? Is it Donald Trump? And how those two have acted while they have been waiting for the result is quite revealing in terms of their leadership styles. Trump has been quite impatient and announced victory even before all the votes had been counted; whilst Biden has been asking for calm and patience from everyone and to allow democracy to run its course.

It’s been a fascinating few days (and late nights!) observing as a neutral, the machinations of the US election and understanding the concept of electoral colleges, bellweather states, battleground states and the conduct of the presidential candidates.

I am sure America will announce its new president soon; it’s being very patient, and from the results that are coming in, I think Joe is just biden his time.

Best wishes

Irfan

Irfan Latif, Principal