Ethan’s Pathway: Moving with Quiet Determination

Ethan joined Bangkok Patana School in Year 2, beginning what became an eleven-year journey shaped by steady curiosity, routine and focus. His earliest memories of school are filled with variety; Pirate Day, World Book Day, Egyptian Day were all occasions where learning felt light and imaginative. As he moved into Secondary School, that sense of enjoyment remained, but it gave way to something more deliberate. What he valued most was the freedom to explore ideas in depth. “If you’re really into a subject, there’s always more you can read,” he explains, “Teachers are always willing to help you go beyond the syllabus.”

That freedom shaped the choices he made at (I)GCSE. Ethan opted for triple science alongside Spanish, Geography, Design Technology (Resistant Materials) and Photography. It was a demanding combination, but one that suited him well. “I got quite lucky with the subjects I picked,” he reflects, “They were all interesting, even though there was a lot of coursework.” Each subject offered something distinct. Geography stood out for its fieldwork, while Photography provided a contrast to more structured academic demands. Design Technology appealed for its practical, creative element. “Learning how to use equipment like 3D printers and being able to design things—that was fun!” he said.

By the time Ethan reached the IB Diploma Programme, he had refined his academic focus further. He chose Higher Level Mathematics AA, Physics and Chemistry, with Geography, English Language and Spanish B at Standard Level. The selection felt natural. “It worked really well for me,” he explains, “My HLs are my strongest subjects, and there’s overlap between them that actually makes learning easier.” That overlap played a key role in deepening his interest in Physics. What began as a general curiosity about space and cosmology developed as he started doing more independent reading. It was then that he faced a decision between Physics and Engineering. “I realised I preferred learning about how things work rather than thinking about how to use them,” he says. From that point on, Physics felt like the right path.

Ethan has applied to study Physics at university, with Imperial College London as his firm first choice. He has also applied to NUS, aware that their decisions arrive later. Looking ahead, he is quietly excited about the changes to come—not only academically, but culturally. “London’s such an international city,” he says, “I’m excited to try food you don’t really get in Bangkok. Things like Caribbean food!”

Away from the classroom, Ethan’s discipline takes a different form. He began going to the gym in early 2022 and transitioned into powerlifting about a year later. “I realised I really liked lifting weights,” he says simply, “So I thought I might as well do the sport.”

What started as a personal routine quickly became something more structured, supporting other parts of his life. “It helped me with planning and stress management,” he explains, “Powerlifting can be scary. Learning how to perform under pressure helped a lot during exams.” He competed in his first meet in November 2023, followed by an international competition in September 2024. In September 2025, he reached a significant milestone, achieving a 335.5kg deadlift to claim the world record in the Under‑93kg Sub‑Junior category. It is an achievement he acknowledges calmly. “Definitely not something I expected growing up!” he says.

Alongside academics and sport, Ethan has remained committed to community engagement. Through Building Blocks, he worked with friends to support neurodivergent children in Bangkok, partnering with organisations such as Steps with Theera and The Village. “We helped run events, raise awareness and organise swimming lessons,” he explains. “Those were some of the highlights.”

As he prepares to leave Bangkok Patana, Ethan knows he will miss the familiarity of a place he has known for most of his life. “I’m really used to it,” he says. Still, he is ready for change. “Something new is always exciting—new places, new people.”

Congratulations Ethan and we look forward to reading more on your future achievements!