By Ethan Benedicto
Diversity and representation is the forward goal as Narre Warren South P-12 College elected their new school captains for 2024.
The four students, all in Year 11 had been chosen not just for the excellence in their studies, but also how they showcased the best of the college’s values of P.R.I.D.E. – perseverance, respect, integrity, dedicated teamwork and excellence.
Two of the captains, Eva De Young and Brianna Leao had some leadership experience from being part of the school’s student voice team.
For Ms Young, being a school captain “was something I was looking forward to.
“I’ve had a few people tell me that I’m going to do a good job so that was nice to hear,” she said.
Ms Leao was unsure at first but eventually came to embrace her role.
“I always had that aspiration from being in the student voice, but I always did also doubt myself and was conflicted on whether I should apply or not.
“Because I thought I wasn’t suited for it, but then I did end up taking that chance and I guess I’m here now,” she said.
Some of their previous responsibilities included managing assemblies, representing the school on college-wide and community events and being the voice for student issues.
The other two captains, Kody Bradley and Mehrin Tabassum shared similar sentiments, as both were getting that tingling feeling of reaching for more.
Mr Bradley, who had also been in a leadership role prior to his captaincy had switched to VCE when he realised he wanted to be a school captain at the start of the year.
“I sort of got the feeling of wanting to do more, which is why I switched and took on more leadership roles and just doing the most I can – I feel like I’m achieving more than I was going to,” he said.
As for Ms Tabassum, the goal wasn’t necessarily for school captain, but for a position that would take her out of her comfort zone, a place where she could build herself up through different experiences.
“I was feeling conflicted on applying for college captain because sometimes you know, you doubt yourself and you don’t know if you’re suitable for certain roles.
“But then I thought that if I reached out for things that made me uncomfortable and made me feel that fear, a lot of these things would benefit me in the long run,” she said.
Shauny-Maree Talbot, head of Year 12, said that while each captain has unique traits of their own, their excellence lies in their diversity and representation of the various facets of the student body.
“Often times our college captains sit in that realm of very studious and demonstrating excellence, but what I think is great about these college captains is that they’re demonstrating excellence in representation of kindness.
“Each of these individuals has really demonstrated an ability to think empathetically and kindly and have, at the forefront of their pursuits of this captaincy, a vision of making sure that every single student in the college is heard,” Ms Talbot said.
Each captain received tremendous support from friends and family, but it was something a bit more strange and exciting for Mr Bradley, whom many peers thought unusual to become captain, especially for someone like himself.
“Everyone seemed very surprised, they didn’t expect someone like me being school captain.
“They didn’t see me in a leadership role and I didn’t tell anyone throughout the whole process of applying,” he said.
Ms Talbot labelled Mr Bradley as a dark horse for the candidacy, but someone with great potential for leadership.
“Kody has a quiet confidence which I think will really shine next year,” she said.
Besides mentally gearing themselves for their leadership roles, each captain is confident of the benefits it would bring them in the long run.
Like many her age, Ms Young is still unsure of her future plans after school but is less concerned about the trials it may hold.
“I feel like the skills I’ve learned, being able to talk more confidently, talking to people in general, being in a team and putting my ideas out there is a plus.
“No matter what I do after school, these things are definitely going to help me,” she said.
Mr Bradley echoed Ms Young’s statement, saying that simply being able to work with people “gives you the right skill set that you’ll need.
“You get the opportunity to voice your thoughts and opinions and being able to do that is definitely something you need in life,” he said.
These people skills are especially true for Ms Tabassum, who had her sights set on becoming a lawyer.
“It aligns with what I want to do in the future and the skills I learn being a school captain go hand-in-hand.
“Public speaking, learning how to form relationships with your peers, learning how to be a voice for others, I really think it’ll help me through life,” she said.
With her goals set for the IT industry, Ms Leao shared the same thoughts.
“You do learn a lot of life skills, especially because I want to do to an industry that is male-dominated.
“I feel like it gives me the skills to speak confidently, articulate my ideas and also be more vocal,” she said.
Ms Talbot was confident in the captains’ abilities to deliver effective leadership for the student body.
“Multiple domains, multiple faculties, understanding that each different faculty, with each different event, will be represented by these four students, it’s a wonderful thing,” she said.
The four captains will convene twice every term, with hot chocolate and muffins with principal Peter Thatcher for a chat and a debrief.
