Marcos Akstein’01 contacted us a few months ago and sent a beautiful letter which you can read below. He was a student from the age of 3 and graduated in Class 11 in 2001. After leaving school, he went to college at IBMEC-RJ and studied Economics. Currently, he is an Investment Analyst at Constellation Asset Management, based at São Paulo. He is responsible for studying public companies in the retail sector, analyzing quantitative and qualitative aspects of the company. His older brother, Marcelo Akstein‘95, also studied at The British School and graduated in 1995. He has graduated from PUC-RJ in Engineering and now runs the family business.
Dear Mr. Wiseman, I would like to share something with you. I was a student at The British School since the age of 3. Today, 6 years after my graduation, I still remember how important the school was for my child and teenage hood. What I want to share with you is not only about the knowledge gained at TBS, but also how I face the world today and what my role in it can be. Despite the time spent at The British School, it is only now, after being more mature that I see clearly that my education was always guided to turn me and my colleagues into future leaders. The school has made us believe in ourselves providing us with the self-confidence to reach our goals and channeling our energy to make this world a better place for all. I have finally read carefully what you wrote in my yearbook (2001) and became surprised since I didn’t know you very well… I had never realized that the school had such an influence about how I think or how act today. I have always thought that there was something special about me, but never realized why I was so worried about how things are or if I could be able to do something remarkable someday. Reading your letter, Mr. Wiseman, provided me great comfort in knowing that The British School is performing a real revolution in the mind of future adults, making them see the world with other eyes and trying their best to change it. In this modern world, I believe that few are so ahead to think as properly as they should. Many are using drugs to become happier, but this happiness lasts for just some few hours. Others are working for money and looking at the future always wanting more, forgetting about the present. Few people make good use of their time, which in my opinion is enjoying the present and working for the future. Surpassing obstacles and reaching goals, helping others and improving themselves is what I see as the way to reach a significant life and true happiness. I know that I am not near perfection, neither the best among my friends in my profession. However, thanks to The British School and the great teachers I have had, I strongly believe in my potential. I am working hard to make my dreams come true and am motivated to work and be someone with enough power to change what is around me. I have started to see things happen as I work with a clearer goal. I am also sure that the school believes in me and in all of its students, no matter how skilled they are. I thank The British School for my wonderful past and all it will still do for my future and for the world. Keep up with the good work! Please send my greetings to all teachers! Marcos Hess Akstein