We asked our Senior student leaders the following questions:
1. “What is your favorite way to spend your time outside of school, and what has that hobby taught you about yourself?”
2. “What is your ‘big dream’ for your career or life after school, and what inspired you to chase it?”
3. “If you could change or improve one thing for the next generation of students in our town/school, what would it be?”
Joseph May – Head Student
I really enjoy creating and learning music outside of school, it really helps me bring more creativity into my everyday life and allows me to find more meaning in what I do.
I’m very interested in becoming an electrician. I have just started doing work experience and I’m loving it. I’ve always found the trades interesting and the theory behind electrical work, but of course I’d also love to be a part of a famous band and tour all over the world.
What I would like to happen for future generations of students would be to spread awareness that everyone has their own future and career-path, and that people can find their own dreams and should chase them.
Isabella White – Head Student
Through school, I am involved in competitive netball, however staying physically active is something that has consistently become a fun hobby outside of school. Being involved in sport has taught me the importance of collaboration and teamwork, as well as the discipline and resilience required to push beyond my limits and reach my goals. Through both competition and training, I’ve learnt how to stay focused under pressure and support my teammates, shaping my confidence and determination to succeed.
My goal after school is to become a Critical Care Paramedic, where I can make a meaningful impact in Aotearoa and potentially abroad. I’m most inspired by the opportunity to lead with compassion in high-stakes situations and provide care for others where it matters most. In addition, my general love for learning, and awareness of social barriers and politics has further convinced me to gain a better understanding of the challenges people face in accessing healthcare.
There are so, so many things I would love to introduce and alter for the next generation of students in Whitianga, but first I would like to improve our attitudes. In particular, it would be incredible to see a stronger sense of respect for the native environment and ecosystems, along with a greater confidence to speak up for what they believe in. Every single young person I have ever met has at least one good idea or perspective. Imagine a community where they all feel empowered to share those ideas and create positive change. Encouraging student voices and environmental sustainability builds a generation of rangatahi who are confident and ready to make the differences our world needs.
Liam Morgan – Deputy Head Student
I enjoy coaching swimming because I like helping others improve and build confidence. It has taught me patience, leadership, and how to encourage others.
My big dream is to become a doctor because I want to help people and make a positive difference in their lives.
I would improve support for students so everyone has equal opportunities to succeed and feels encouraged to achieve their goals.
Malia Herbert – Deputy Head Student
My favourite way to spend time outside of school is by playing football! I’ve played football for nine years now, and it has taught me a lot about myself, and how I act in pressured situations. It has taught me how confidence affects my performance, not just within the sport. Football has taught me to be confident within myself, and how believing in myself truly does show within my daily life. It has taught me sportsmanship and how to behave towards others, whether doing better or worse than me. This sport has given me something to look forward to, and work towards. For example, having a tournament to look forward to motivates me to get fitter, which improves my mental health and fitness overall.
I think I’d like to eventually join the police force. This is inspired by my want to help people, but still desire a fun, action-filled job. I plan to apply for police college this year, to hopefully get in by the time I turn 18 in December. If I don’t, due to not enough life experience, I plan to travel for maybe a year or two, or do a course. This will give me a few years out of school living life and experiencing moving out and independence.
I think I would like to make it easier for students to come to school. Often, if students struggle with peers, classes, and mental health, they fail to come to school. This leads to more struggles. There could be activities in place that allow students to feel more included and comfortable at school, though it’s hard to include everyone, due to students’ individual behaviour. If I could, I would put in certain systems that make school a nicer place for everyone, or put in more fun activities within the school routine to give students more to look forward to.
Next week meet other student leaders.
