ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT - CANILLO WIDAT

ALUMNI

SPOTLIGHT Aug 2026

widat canillo

FUTURE WHAT NEXT AFTER UNI?

our former school president tells us ABOUT HER PASSION FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Cllaassss C 233 2 off 2200 o

MEMORIES

VALUES LEARNT AT BIS

REMINISCES ON HER FONDEST MOMENTS AT BIS

SHE TELLS US WHICH VALUES MATTER

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• I S S U E •

Principal's Note We created the Alumni Spotlight In order to highlight our awesome group of individuals that are part of the Brookhurst Alumnus. Brookhurst's years of Alumni have been engaging in positive contributions to society, their families and the world. Spotlighting individual members helps us to motivate the current class of students to see the sky is not the limit, more is possible.

Alumni Spotlight will be a monthly publication on our social media platforms and will lead to the development of additional alumni content.

Enjoy our twenty third issue.

Lucy . S

Spotlight 1

AUGUST 2026

Spotlight 2

I'm passionate about understanding human behavior, mental health, and using psychology to create meaningful change in people's lives.

Q1

Introduce

yourself

community Canillo.

to

the

Brookhurst

My name is Widat Henry Canillo. I am currently a fourth-year Psychology student at United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) in Nairobi, Kenya. I was also the former School President at Brookhurst International Schools Lavington Campus.

I'm

passionate

about

understanding

human

behavior, mental health, and using psychology to create meaningful change in people's lives.

Q2

What are your fondest memories about your time at Brookhurst International School?

One of my fondest memories from my time at Brookhurst is the incredible sense of community that permeated the school. From participating in lively school events to sharing laughter with friends during breaks, every moment was infused with warmth and camaraderie.

The encouragement and support from teachers played a pivotal role, making Brookhurst feel like a nurturing environment where students were inspired to flourish both academically and personally. It was a place where bonds were formed, and memories were created that I cherish to this day.

"How many psychotherapists does it take to change a lightbulb?

Just one, but it'll need nine more sessions.”

PSYCHOLOGY

JOKE

|

3

Q3

What values or lessons from Brookhurst have stayed with you and shaped who you are today?

Q4

What was the transition from Brookhurst to university life like for you?

Brookhurst instilled in me the importance of

The transition from Brookhurst to university life

discipline, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong

was surprisingly smooth for me. As a Year 13

learning. The school environment encouraged me

student and School President, I was entrusted

to step outside my comfort zone, embrace

with a significant amount of autonomy and

collaboration with my peers, and maintain

responsibility, which played a crucial role in my

determination in the face of challenges.

development.

This

experience

taught

me

invaluable skills such as time management, These essential values have not only shaped my

independent decision-making, and the ability to

academic journey but also profoundly influence

balance multiple commitments.

my personal life. I carry them with me into university and beyond, serving as guiding

Because of this foundation, adapting to the

principles in everything I do.

independence and expectations of university life felt like a natural progression rather than a daunting adjustment. I entered university with confidence, ready to embrace new challenges and

Spotlight 4

opportunities.

Spotlight 5 Q5

Beyond academics, what are you currently involved in?

Beyond academics, I am actively engaged in internships that allow me to gain practical experience and refine my skills in a real-world context. These opportunities not only enhance my professional development but also broaden my understanding of my field.

Additionally, I find great joy in painting and creative writing; these pursuits serve as an outlet for my creativity and help me maintain a sense of balance in my life.

Engaging in the arts allows me to express myself and recharge, ensuring that I remain well-rounded and inspired.

Q6

What

advice

would

you

give

a

Brookhurst graduate transitioning to university?

My advice to a Brookhurst graduate transitioning to university is to embrace new experiences with an open mind and never hesitate to seek help when needed. University life is quite different from high school; while you’ll enjoy greater freedom, it also brings increased responsibility.

Staying

organized

and

managing

your

time

effectively are essential skills that will serve you well.

Focus on building meaningful friendships, as these connections can provide support and enrich your experience. Remember, it’s perfectly okay not to have everything figured out right away.

Growth often comes from navigating both successes and setbacks, so approach each challenge as a valuable learning opportunity.

Q7

Fill us in on your future plans.

After completing my degree, I hope to pursue opportunities that allow me to make a positive impact through psychology, whether in research, mental health, or organizational settings. I also plan to continue developing my creative interests alongside my professional career and pursue further studies in the future.

Q8

Message to the Class of 2026

Congratulations, Class of 2026! As you begin this exciting new chapter, embrace every opportunity to learn, grow, and discover who you are. There will be challenges, but they will help shape you into a stronger and wiser person. Stay curious, believe in yourself, and never stop striving to become the best version of yourself.

Wishing you all the very best for the future!