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Alex Patient

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White middle aged male wearing a blue checked shirt posing for photograph in front of Japanese tori gate
Alex Patient

Alex Patient

Class of 1996

Nationality: British

 

How many years did you attend YIS?

I attended from 1992 - 1996.
 
 
Where are you currently based, and what is your occupation?
 
I’m based in England and I'm working as an Executive Coach. 
 

Which teachers played an important role in your time at YIS?
 
Mr. Stanworth because of his dedication and passion for math that brought even reluctant students on the journey.
 

What are some of your most memorable moments from your time at YIS?

The Hiroshima field trip was definitely one of them. It was really emotional being there in the city, but I also remember making some lasting friendships. I still have a photograph in my study from that trip.


What type of sports or non-academic activities were you involved with at YIS?

I played football and I also did a year of basketball. Other things I was involved with were the Math competition, the National Honors Society and band. Football was what I really loved most though.


Which grade-level or class at YIS would you want to relive, and why? 

I'd like to relive 10th grade because we had an amazing summer of World Cup football watched late at night at a classmate's house. Most nights there was a match on, spent with friends until the early hours of the morning chatting and having fun.


Would you do anything differently?

I wish I had explored more of Japan while I lived there. The field trips were always amazing, but in hindsight I should have seen more of the country when I had the chance. The result of that was I came back to Japan after university to do some traveling, so luckily I was able to make up for it.


When was the last time you were back on campus?

I returned to the campus with my wife in 2013 and met up with various schoolmates. I showed her the corridors, lockers, and let her get a general feel for the place. We were lucky enough to have lunch with Mr. Stanworth too, and hear about the new campus. I was grateful to have a chance to say thank you again for his brilliant teaching.


Given your experience, what sort of advice would you give to current YIS students?

Try to live in the moment, rather than worrying too much about the future. The journey is the main part of life, so stop focusing so much on the goal.


What famous person, past or present, would you most like to meet in person, and why? 

I'd like a chat with the 14th Dalai Lama. As a parent I can relate to him when he said, "The way to change other's minds is with affection and not anger". I am trying hard these days to apply another of his thoughts to my daily life, "remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck". I find that remembering this particular quote gives me peace of mind.