🇮🇹 Christof Brans in Bovino: Calm Under Pressure
One hundred and twenty theory questions. A practical assessment. Two days in Bovino, with the title of Scapicchio Academy Ambassador waiting on the other side—provided the work was good enough.
There are more relaxing ways to spend two days in Italy.
For Christof, this was a significant moment. For me, as his mentor and friend, it meant a great deal too.
I had been mentoring him since Level 2, helping him prepare for Level 3 and the assessments that would determine whether he was ready to become an ambassador. Being able to accompany him to Bovino was a privilege. There is something deeply satisfying about helping someone move forward in a craft you both care about.
And then comes the moment when they have to show what they can do.
Keeping His Composure
What stayed with me most was Christof’s calm.
The pressure was there. You could feel it. I suspect he was boiling away somewhere beneath the surface, but he remained focused and composed. He kept his attention on the work.
That matters. Especially in a profession where another person puts their trust in your hands.
The first day began with the theory examination: 120 questions. A fairly thorough way of finding out how well your studying has settled in.
Afterwards, he spent the rest of the day helping with the honing and assisting with the course. Still involved. Still contributing. There was work to do, and he stayed part of it.
Then came the second day.
The practical assessment would take place under the eyes of the other Scapicchio Academy Masters, together with Luigi and Vincenzo. They would evaluate his work and decide whether he was ready to carry the ambassador title.
Knowing the techniques is one thing. Performing them while experienced people assess you adds a particular weight to the occasion.
Christof felt it. He also kept going.
As his mentor, I watched with the particular mix of hope and tension that comes from caring about someone’s success. You have helped them prepare. You know how much this means to them. Now you want to see that preparation hold up.
And it did.
A Place in the Family
After an intensive day, the verdict was clear and positive.
Christof had passed. He was now an Ambassador of the Scapicchio Academy.
I was proud of the achievement, and equally proud of the way he had approached it: with concentration, composure and a willingness to do the work.
A title carries responsibility. It connects you to the people who taught you, the family whose name you represent and the craft you will help pass on. Seeing Christof take that step was a moment I will remember.
Well done, Christof. You put in the work and earned this.
Welcome to the Scapicchio family.
Your proud mentor and friend,
Stijn
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