27/07/2026
Here is Delavan's thought of the week from today's assembly:
Galbraith. I’m betting few of you have heard that name. And I’d like to tell you why.
Growing up, Galbraith had a difficult childhood. She performed poorly in primary school and was terrified of her teacher, who thought she was dumb for her lack of skill in maths. In high school she was bullied, and at 15, her mother developed multiple sclerosis, which includes symptoms like constant tiredness and difficulty seeing. Combined with her poor relationship with her father, who “would have preferred a boy”, this made for a difficult home life.
After high school Galbraith went to university and, despite her passion for writing, she studied French instead, believing it would be more practical. In 1990, once she’d graduated, she suddenly had an inspiration for a novel, one that would take a long time to finish.
Unfortunately, in the same year, she lost her mother and also her job. She got married soon after, but was abused and the marriage ended in divorce. Now a single mum with depression and a young child, Galbraith lived on the benefit in a mouse-ridden apartment. Stubbornly, she continued writing, until at the end of a gruelling five years she finished her novel. She submitted it to many publishers, and was turned down, again and again; a total of twelve times.
So is this why you haven’t heard of Galbraith, the failed, unemployed writer?
No, Galbraith, or by her other pen name J.K. Rowling, persevered and submitted her novel a 13th time. At last the world knew Harry Potter, the most successful book series of all time.
So what changed from failure to fame? Absolutely nothing. Because excellence is not about the moment of inspiration, not about the moment where someone finally tells you you’re good enough. Excellence is about the gruelling five year journey; and all the moments you trudge on when you want to quit. It’s about finishing each day happy, knowing you did the best you can. The journey of a thousand kilometres begins with a single step. So start walking, and keep walking, until you reach the place of your dreams.
constantia vincit