Head Girl 2024. Like previous years, Schools That Rock interviewed Head Leaders of High Schools in South Africa. Our candidate today is Alexandra Correia, Head Girl 2024 from Curro Wilgeheuwel in Roodepoort, Gauteng.
Alexandra, tell us more about yourself and your leadership.
- My life philosophy is to “go with the flow”. I don’t live, I flourish, by embracing what is given to me and making the most of it. I’m easy, to put it that way. My laid-back attitude is undoubtedly the result of all the traveling I’ve done from a young age. My travels throughout our stunning nation and its neighbouring countries have shaped me into the woman I am today. It has opened my eyes to all cultures and inequalities, making me a tolerant and empathic leader. I appreciate how diverse everyone is around me and how our differences allow us to develop and learn from one another.
What are your personal goals for the this year?
- As Head Girl 2024, I have one goal, which is maybe a little too general. And that is to do my best. I truly mean it, even though I know that’s everyone’s standard response when asked about their aspirations. I want to know that by 2025, I have accomplished everything that I possibly could have for 2024. Since this is my final year of school and the last page of my first chapter, I need to be aware that every action has a build-up and a conclusion. Or I would have nothing to read back on.
What are your goals for Curro Academy Wilgeheuwel for your term of service?
I want to build a loving, trustworthy, and compassionate atmosphere at school. My goal, as Head Girl 2024, is to make sure that each student has a constant supply of warmth and security through school-wide programs. Ideally, everyone in the community will feel a sense of compassion from the unending love that overflows from our school. I want to leave a positive legacy as a friend, role model, and head girl by assisting others around me and creating wonderful memories for them to remember.
Alexandra, tell us about the biggest challenges you experienced as a learner of your school.
- I joined Curro Academy Wilgeheuwel as a grade 5 student when it initially opened in 2017. I went from attending the same school and having the same friends for six years to knowing absolutely nothing and no one. During my first break at Curro I ended up having lunch by myself while reading my Harry Potter book in the girl’s bathroom. Extremely introverted at first – completely outgoing at the end. I went from sitting on a toilet saying spells to standing in front of a podium giving speeches. Stepping outside of my comfort zone was my biggest challenge yet look where it got me!
What stands out most to you at your school?
- Because of its diversity, Curro Academy Wilgeheuwel is, in my opinion, the ideal representation of our countries Rainbow Nation. As Wilgies, we embrace and appreciate one another’s differences instead of humiliating one another. I have a love of the culture my school upholds, both within the school and out of school, therefore I am proud to be a Wilgie.
Who do you look up to for inspiration or mentorship?
- My parents are my greatest idols. My dad is a fantastic manager, and I frequently seek his advice when I’m having leadership problems. In addition to being skilled at leading his employees, I find inspiration in the level of respect he is accorded. My mother has instilled in me a strong sense of empathy and compassion. She has also helped me develop into a person who enjoys elevating people. Her ability to choose the appropriate words to say based on the circumstances just baffles me every time. She is the living proof that mothers really do know everything. In every way, from sensibility to responsibility, I will be the daughter that my parents reared.
You’re a kitchen article? What are you and why?
- A mug, better yet, an orange one. A mug is necessary. Just like you need an Alex, am I allowed to refer to myself in third person? Who cares I’m a mug! Everyone’s favourite utensil as its every coffeeholics necessity. A mug provides the user with what they enjoy and require. I believe that I provide individuals around me with what they love and need—a listening ear, compassion, and unwavering support, and best of all I bring warmth.
Alexandra, how would your friends describe you?
- Being a dependable friend is my goal. I want to be someone they can rely on and someone they can always count on. I make an effort to always be empathetic and sympathetic by paying attention to their needs and concerns and doing everything in my power to help. I acknowledge that my closest friends perceive these qualities in me, and I’ll work to maintain that.
What motivates you to achieve your goals?
- I despise pathetic people and I especially despise being pathetic. I loathe the idea of becoming a person without motivation or ability of thinking for themselves. I now realize that, in addition to my fear of failing, I tend to be a bit of a people pleaser. In other words, I enjoy being recognized for my work and winning accolades because it ultimately makes me and the people, I aim to please happy.
Who is your favourite teacher and why?
- Mr Eksteen, who is not my teacher but rather my head of high school. I’m particularly impressed by his ability to communicate with everyone. He act assertively rather than aggressively, and win everyone over. He treats teachers and students as his equal and jokes about with them but still maintains an air of authority, which is something I think has contributed to his success and respect. I value respect and I can tell he does too. Mr. Eksteen is truly passionate about his work and takes pleasure in interacting and conversing with others. To be honest, I admire him in a lot of ways and aim to be just as driven in my endeavours in the future.
What are your future goals?
- To die old and fulfilled is my ultimate life objective. I want to know that I’ve fully experienced life, taken use of every chance I’ve been given, and maximized my potential. My goal is to live to be 94 years old and to have experienced the year 2100. I don’t even know where this ambition originated, but I’ve had it since I was young. I simply know that the world will be a totally different place and I want to see that.
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