Meet Depali Lamba, Ben Merchant, Nadia Mistry, and Advait Kuwalekar, Head Students of Pakuranga College for 2024! With diverse motivations and a shared passion for positive change, we found out about their inspirations, aspirations, and what makes Pakuranga College a special place for them.
What inspired you to put yourself forward for Head Student?
Depali: Reflecting on my time as a Pakuranga College student, I can think back to so many outstanding Head Students who genuinely inspired and empowered our community through the events and initiatives they organised. Seeing the impact they made inspired me to step forward for the position of Head Student and create a similar positive influence.
Ben: I was motivated to pursue the role of Head Student because it is my passion to seek new challenges and opportunities. I like that the Head Student role opens many doors and will help me continue my learning journey after I leave Pakuranga College.
Nadia: As a younger student, I always saw Head Students speaking at assemblies, in fact I saw them everywhere I went, and I thought they were a great example of what a student should be – caring, informative, helpful, and respectful. I was inspired by them and wanted to be one of those people that others could look to.
Advait: I was inspired to put myself forward as a Head Student after seeing the things achieved by those before me. This led to gaining respect for the role and the drive to try and run for it.
What are you most looking forward to in the role this year?
Depali: I’m looking forward to seeing the events and initiatives we have planned come to life. Having the opportunity to be present and witness their impact will be really rewarding.
Ben: I am most excited about creating a positive and inclusive environment within our school community and being a role model for those around me.
Nadia: This year I am most excited to be a part of the planning for school-wide activities and events. I love planning, focusing on finer details, and I believe that as a Head Student I can incorporate many new ideas into the year ahead.
Advait: I’m most looking forward to building connections with teachers, support staff, and students across the school and amongst other schools as well.
What is something you love about Pakuranga College?
Depali: The culture of the school is what sticks out to me the most. Often we get caught up in the race of trying to be the best at something, but I feel the school is really great at providing platforms solely to experience and explore things without the pressure of being the best at something.
Ben: One thing in particular that I like about Pakuranga College is the Whānau system. More specifically, I like having different year groups within the same Whānau Group. It can help younger students feel more comfortable within the school when they receive knowledge from older students who have been in their shoes once before.
Nadia: I love the teachers at Pakuranga College! Not only they so very knowledgeable in their respective areas, but they also care very deeply about the students that they teach. All the teachers that I have talked to during my time here know more about me than just my name. They know my interests and strengths and because of this can teach me better. I’m a better student because of them.
Advait: I love the sense of community and whānaungatanga that is clearly visible day to day at Pakuranga College. There is a strong network of support which means there is always someone who can help you out.
We can’t wait to see the passion these Head Students will bring to their role in 2024!
