In conversation with our Head Girl

What were your first impressions when you joined St Swithun’s?

I joined St Swithun’s in L4 in 2015 coming from a very small day school where I was one of six in a class. My first impressions were how massive the buildings were – it felt like a maze and I frequently got lost between lessons to begin with. I didn’t know anybody before I joined but it didn’t matter because everyone was so friendly. I went into Le Roy and became a boarder for the first time. Being an only child, it was refreshing to be with other girls of the same age who had the same energy levels as me. Our house talent show performance was one of my best memories in LeRoy. There is a great sense of community amongst the boarders and I have lots of great memories. I can remember one school play in which I played a pirate. I had to wear a dodgy wig which fell off during the production! I have been too busy to get homesick and have tried a bit of everything at weekends over the years. I like to go offsite – to the cinema or into town and I often have sports matches on Saturdays. My mum has come to see me at some of the matches and I think me being away has been harder on her than it has been on me!

How did you feel about becoming Head Girl?

It has taken a while to sink in. I remember being in L4 and watching the Head Girl thinking it would never be me but it’s an honour for me now to represent the St Swithun’s community in and out of school. I am really looking forward to Fundraising Friday even though I will have water tipped over my head, arranging the Christmas Chocolate Hunt and organising The Game (an annual chase/hunt game amongst the students). I am also organising a whole school Culture Day to celebrate the diversity within the school community and to encourage cultural awareness. In my free time I like to relax by keeping a journal. This allows me to collect my thoughts and realise I have a lot to be grateful for. It often proves to me that my week has been more productive than I thought! I also play netball and lacrosse and have been part of the choir since L5. Performing in St Mark’s Basilica during the Italy choir tour is my favourite memory as a choir member. My friends and I are always singing together – we were even walking along harmonising on the last Duke of Edinburgh trip.

What would you like to do after St Swithun’s?

I’m taking biology, chemistry and French A-levels as I would like to study medicine at university in London, perhaps Imperial or UCL. At the moment I am interested in cardio-thoracics and neurology and I am looking forward to gaining experience in both areas of medicine during my time at University. I plan to keep up with French after A-levels too as it would be an amazing opportunity to train or work in a French speaking country.

What qualities has St Swithun’s helped you to develop?

This is a kind community and I have never felt judged. Being here has really helped me to develop my self-confidence, for example, having the courage to apply for the Head Girl position. I was always (and still am sometimes) my own biggest critic but I now understand that my strengths outweigh my weaknesses and I am more than my weaknesses. I have resilience and I will keep on trying. It has also taught me time management; this school is very vibrant and there are so many exciting co-curricular opportunities available, I have learnt how to effectively manage my time so I can make the most of all that’s on offer.

Do you have any advice for future Head Girls?

Try to do as much as you can for your community and you’ll be halfway there. When I was head of house for Hillcroft, I tried hard to make an already amazing house even better and it shows if you are dedicated and devoted to making a difference. Also, be kind. You will become someone people rely on and you want to be the sort of person they are happy to come and talk to.