How did you feel when you learned you would be in this role?

I was at my brother’s wedding when I received the phone call, so the moment was completely unexpected and was the last thing I could think about then! I remember missing a couple of calls from an unsaved number, so I went away to a quiet spot and called the number back. It went to voicemail. But not just any voicemail – it was Mrs Stanley’s voicemail! When I heard it, my stomach dropped. I wasn’t sure what to feel, but I felt the need to keep calling her back, so I did. Eventually, she rang me back, and I answered. When she broke the news to me, I gasped and remembered pacing back and forth in an empty corridor absolutely speechless, but eventually broke out repetitively saying, “Oh my days! Oh my days!” in pure disbelief, and I remember Mrs Stanley on the other end of the line giggling and reassuring me that it was in fact real. I will never forget the build-up of different emotions I felt that evening, especially for receiving something I did not expect one bit.

Why do you think you were chosen (what special leadership qualities do you believe you have?)

I’ve never been the best at talking about myself in that way and am often hesitant, but it presents a quality in me that I’m incredibly blessed for having, which is humility. That has been instilled in me growing up and is what I heavily embody, as I never intend to think of myself highly but rather as someone who is down to earth and easy to talk to. Another quality I feel I represent well is being socially intelligent or sociable.

Communication is something I highly value and is what I feel has really helped me in forming the many connections I’ve made and have maintained with different people today. These qualities have helped me become a very humane individual and a suitable candidate for this honourable role. I intend to be personable enough for others to relate to or truly get along with, yet influential enough to lead others in a positive and respectful manner.

How do you intend to use your position ‘for good’ this year?

I intend to be a bridge between students and teachers and become an outlet for students who want their viewpoints, thoughts, opinions, and concerns to be heard. I want to use my role to give ‘big sister’ type support, especially to our new Year 9s and anyone who feels they need some guidance or extra help. This is because I know what it feels like to feel a little lost among the crowd sometimes, even now, and I would do anything to let others know that they’re not alone and can always reach out for help when needed. On top of that, I would like to be a role model to younger people and prove that self-acceptance and being able to truly be yourself are the greatest forms of self-confidence in finding out who you are before becoming a role model for other people. As a young Pasifika female, it’s common to feel lost or unsure about what’s ahead and what you want. You feel the waves of expectations set before you. I would like my position in this role to be seen as an inspiration to other Polynesian sisters or brothers who aspire to become future leaders. I hope that seeing someone like me with the same ethnic background up here preaching my story could motivate them to progress that extra mile.