I am a truly proficient runner up. Things I have been shortlisted for but not won include:

• Seizure’s Viva La Novella 2
• Being a Year 12 Prefect (I know the list was secret but I have my sources within the faculty, and I know I was bumped from the final list)
• And Writer’s Victoria’s Templeberg Fellowship (announced today – congratulations Dion!)

I also placed second in the Aths Day Girls under 16 javelin years ago, which was only because there were about five of us in the competition, only one girl knew how to throw the javelin (gold medal), and everyone else bar me got disqualified for incorrect throws. This is the only time I have ever been praised for sport but clearly was not Prefect-making material.

Despite my long history of being the bridesmaid, I love being shortlisted. I think this is mostly because I don’t ever expect to get a look-in at all. Every shortlist is like an unexpected gift arriving in the mail. Well, like an empty unexpected gift, or maybe one that is addressed to someone else in the house. But still! Such excitement!

Postscript: In the future, instead of an Honourary Doctorate, I would be more than overjoyed to receive an Honourary Prefect-ship. GC, I’m looking at you. Directly at you. I still have my blazer pocket and it is still bereft of badges.