I’m a 17 year old A level scholar studying mathematics, economics and physics at the British school of Geneva. This webpage however, is made to show you who I am outside of my academic studies.
One of the things I like most about myself is my competitive nature. Whenever I cannot complete a specific task, I get this feeling that tells me I NEED to do better and excel in it. For example, I used to watch videos of people doing flips and tricks and I told myself: “I want to be able to do that”. So I practiced for hours and hours trying to perfect a backflip and eventually I managed. The gratification I get when completing a challenge like this is what I think pushes me and motivates me to explore new talents or build on ones I’ve already got.
One of my main hobbies was karate. I practiced this martial art for 6 years. Encompassing not only competitive characteristics, I think this sport also emphasised and reinforced my discipline and determination to continue and get to a very high level. I received a level 2 blue belt in this sport which, in other words, is a few belts below black belt (the highest belt/level you can achieve).
In the picture on the right, I’m carrying the Silver medal for the World Cup of Karate for my weight class (held in Paris, France), representing Switzerland. Unfortunately I have recently taken a break from this sport due to the recent COVID 19 pandemic and my studies. However, I am still passionate about it and I still carry and use the skills I learnt from this in other real world scenarios.
As a person, I would classify myself as an extrovert. I like to be part of a group and meet new people. I like to hang out but I also have a more independent side to me. I like to take pictures of views, art or cars.
These are my 2 dogs, Nina and Neptune. Even though I find them really cute and fun to play with, taking care of them is not an easy task. From teaching them how to behave to feeding and walking them, I think my authoritarian role to my dogs really encompasses multiple qualities as a sort of “leader”.
Rob Barney's personal website 