I’m going to a Groton admission reception, the headmaster and some other faculty will be there. I’ve already planned on asking some questions about the school that I thought of after visiting, and asking the headmaster specifically about his incredible life story. Anything else I should make sure to do? I am extremely interested in Groton so I would love to attend.
Whatever you do, please do not ask any questions that are readily available. Temba Maqubela (and his wife, Vuyelwa) are indeed interesting people, but do not simply ask him to recount his life story. If you can find a thoughtful, organic question that ties his own educational experiences in South Africa with his goals for Groton, as an example, that would be more meaningful.
“Your character was forged while risking your life to fight unjust laws. How do you help kids whose lives have been so easy in comparison develop the same resilience, moral compass, and sense of purpose?”
(If you ask that Q, please report back with the answer. Many of us want to raise resilient kids who are eager to fight to make the world a little better and a lot more just.)
I hope you dont ask that question: it doesn’t sound like a question that would come from a young person. Further many of the students at these school are from disadvantaged backgrounds or otherwise. Social justice warriordom should be earned.
There was a nice (positive) story on him sometime last year - around the Holidays - on CBS - maybe on the CBS morning show — about his life story. You may want to search to get background info.
He’s a very approachable man and very welcoming. There aren’t any specific questions which are going to make you stand out more. They just want to tell you about the school and get to know you. My son has loved his time at Groton and will miss the Maquebelas.