Head Boy 2024. Like in previous years, Schools That Rock interview Head Leaders of High Schools in South Africa. Today we learn more about Paul Harber, Head Boy 2024 from Curro Aurora, Randburg Gauteng.
Paul, tell us more about yourself and your leadership.
- I believe the essence of leadership is supporting and sacrifice for the holistic development of your team. I am obsessed with public speaking and applying my academic and interpersonal skills to any new situation (preferably out of the spotlight).
What are your personal goals for this year?
- My goals are to serve as an honorable role model and example. Not only to my peers, but also the youngest members of Aurora. I am aiming to leave a legacy of dedication and passion within my final year by pouring my time and effort into my passions, sports and academic pursuit to achieve exemplary results.
What are your goals for Curro Aurora for your term of service?
As Head Boy 2024, my goal is to strengthen the collaborative relationships between the grades of the school. I am eager to hopefully begin the process of introducing new initiatives and programs to the school so that the next generation of leaders will be able to carry forward.
Tell us about the biggest challenges you experienced as a learner of your school?
- The biggest challenges I faced were in adapting to a new environment and integrating myself into Aurora’s culture. Entering a Private Independent secondary school as a public-school student brought culture shocks as well as difficulty in finding my place within the student community. It was only through embracing spirit events and escaping my comfort zones, that I was able to fully appreciate the nuances and excitement of high school.
Paul, What stands out most to you at Curro Aurora?
- The immense dedication and enthusiasm of the class of 2024 stands out to me most. The zest with which my year has tackled new challenges while constantly maintaining an air of joy does nothing but bring me pride every time I attend a spirit or sporting event.
Who do you look up to for inspiration or mentorship?
- My own parents. Our lives have also been built on a road of sacrifice and obsessive dedication. Whenever I question my path through school and the bigger picture of my life, I recall the relentless chase to overcome the circumstances that my parents grew up in. I am also inspired by the small sacrifices I have made throughout my schooling career to one day hopefully provide the same inspiration to people who might look up to me.
You’re a kitchen article? What are you and why?
- A spoon. Particularly a large spoon. I have witnessed in my own home how a spoon can be used in any manner, to accomplish any task. No spatula? Spoon. No egg whisks? Use a spoon. Need to butter your bread? A spoon handle will do as good a job as any butter knife. I have seen the spoon deliver medicine, spread peanut butter, measure concentrations… The spoon is multifunctional and simple. It is the single most used article I have seen to accomplish far more than what it was made for due to my parents simply having to complete a task.
How would your friends describe you?
- My friends would describe me as caring and intelligent. I am often told that I have a confident and assuring manner.
What motivates you to achieve your goals?
- The prospect of serving and providing for people I love. The idea of honoring the sacrifices of my elders as well as living in a manner that others might look to for advice and inspiration motivates me to keep pushing forward. No matter what stands in my way.
Why would you advise learners to also become part of Curro Aurora?
- To become part of a community that quite honestly does not know how to overcome or dejected. The plethora of provincial and national achievers that span all school pillars are the least of attracting points. I uphold that the most important lessons I learnt throughout my high school career were learnt outside the classroom. I believe Curro Aurora is a school that offers an environment that is conducive to said lessons.
Who is your favourite teacher and why?
- My favorite teacher would be my very first Mathematics teacher in primary school, Mrs Isabelle Sibert. She is my favorite because she was a contradiction in stereotypes. A fine artist and wonderful mathematics educator who would speak part Afrikaans and run the school choir. Mrs Siebert firmly believed in being a master of everything one could. She was a teacher who would never stop at anything she was engaged in, who indulged all her passions and interests and who urged me to never settle for one practice or skill.
Paul, what are your future goals?
- I would like to live through a future wherein I have the opportunity to indulge my interests in medicine, mechanics and mathematics. I wish to attend a university and lead wherever I am. Furthermore to live in a manner that challenges me to continually improve myself and sharpen my mind and discipline. God willing, to build a future of servitude and aid in a manner that will advance my community, possibly, through practicing medicine or a form of engineering.
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