Head Girl 2024. Like in previous years, Schools That Rock interview Head Leaders of High Schools in South Africa. Today we chat with Thando Makhanya, Head Girl 2024 from Curro Hillcrest, Durban.
Thando, tell us more about yourself and your leadership.
- My Name is Thando Makhanya and I am the Head Girl 2024 at Curro Hillcrest. I have been part of the Curro family for the past twelve years. I have thoroughly loved the journey I have been on. I enjoy keeping myself busy with an equal mix of sport and cultural activities whether that be playing hockey or indulging in performance arts. Some of my favourite pastimes include reading, baking, listening to music and spending valuable time with my friends. I would describe my leadership as empathetic, transparent and a journey of continuous growth. I value guiding people with care, trust and compassion. I fully understand and appreciate the worth of this leadership role. I also look forward with expectation at the work God wants to do through me and the rest of the leadership team at Curro Hillcrest this year.
What are your personal goals for this year?
- I personally aim to make the most out of my various experiences this year. This year will be filled with many firsts and lasts and I hope to embrace each experience with gratitude and fondness. I want to remain organised as much as possible and prioritise my energy levels which will enable me to carry out all my tasks and responsibilities with efficiency. Lastly, my goal is to ensure this year is filled with joy, laughter, fun and memories that will stick with me for years to come.
Tell us more about your goals for Curro Hillcrest for your term of service?
- Our purpose for this year is to create and nurture meaningful connections to enhance the sense of belonging and family within our school. We aim to be leaders of example. We will always demonstrate integrity, humility and most importantly for the people around us to know us by our love. We will continuously strive to leave a lasting mark on the people after us and desire to see the school finish stronger than when we started.
What were the biggest challenges you experienced as a learner of your school?
- The biggest challenge I have experienced at my school is starting off my high school journey in the year 2020. This was an incredibly disruptive year with the continuous lockdowns and rules because of COVID. All of that also made it difficult to transition from primary school to high school.
What stands out most to you at Curro Hillcrest?
- The heart of my school stands out most to me. I feel that there is an incredible sense of belonging and family within Curro Hillcrest. It is also matched with a strong desire to allow God to move and transform the hearts of each individual. This has created an environment of people who are filled with love and care. We strive to make each person feel and know that they have a purposeful place in our school.
Who do you look up to for inspiration or mentorship?
- I look up to my mom for inspiration and guidance. Her determination and focus throughout her career also inspires me to remain disciplined and ambitious. She leads with love and is a good example for many to follow, all while remaining kind and true to herself. She has shown me what it means to embody being a woman of God. I love that she is always willing to offer me advice and strength in any situation.
Thando, you’re a kitchen article? What are you and why?
- If I was a kitchen article, I would be a KitchenAid stand mixer. This mixer is incredibly versatile and offers great assistance in not only baking but cooking as well. This is because it has a wide range of accessories and attachments that help it adapt to a desired function. I like to describe myself as someone who easily adapts to changing environments. I can offer assistance and advice that is more than what is expected mirroring the many ways in which a KitchenAid stand mixer proves itself useful and unique in the kitchen.
How would your friends describe you?
- My friends describe me as someone who is wise, trustworthy and a good listener. They often say they find a lot of comfort in my company and that my joy and laughter is contagious. Others would describe me as gentle, kind and someone who genuinely enjoys seeing the people around them happy and working to become better versions of themselves.
What motivates you to achieve your goals?
- The motivation to achieve my goals is rooted in the words found in Colossians 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.”
Why would you advise learners to also become part of Curro Hillcrest?
- I would advise anyone who is looking to be a part of my school that if they are looking for a place to call a ‘home away from home’ for five years, an environment where they are encouraged to participate to enhance their talents, an opportunity to build meaningful connections and friends that they can grow with and cherish outside of school and most importantly if they are looking for a sense of family beyond their homes, that joining my school is the right decision for them.
Who is your favourite teacher and why?
- My favourite teachers are my current Physics and Drama teachers. Although they teach very opposite subjects, their passion for what they teach is my favourite part of the lessons. This is what makes these two subjects enjoyable for me and makes me want to excel in both.
Thando, what are your future goals?
- My future goals include studying Dentistry at University and later specialising in Orthodontics and owning my own practice. I aspire to have my own family one day and to travel to many countries around the world. I hope to continue building meaningful connections with people and growing as a servant of Christ, helping others around me grow and flourish in the same way.
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