Sitting in a quiet corner away from the world in order to read, may be the favorite pastime of twelfth grade student Janique Miller, but her selection to lead the Aquinas College student body as headgirl, forced her to "break out of her shell". The 3.34 grade point average student came to realize more than ever, that to become a well-rounded individual meant to work outside of one's comfort zone and be unafraid of new things. She said her adventure as headgirl is one that benefited her far more than she imagined.
Q. When you were selected as headgirl of your school what did you imagine the role would entail?
A. I really didn't think I would be the one chosen to be headgirl, since I'm really shy and introverted, but I guess my grades, consistency and my respect for my teachers really helped me to stand out. I thought the role itself would force me to interact with students more and be more open. I was right. It is a lot more responsibility and it requires me to be bolder and able to work outside my comfort zone.
Q. What have you learnt the most about being in this position that you can use in other aspects of your life?
A. I have learned to be more outgoing and stand up for what I know is right. I can't just have a quiet voice and hope people hear. I have to be assertive and really push. In order to get things done you have to be forceful and really learn to speak up. This is not only useful for school as headgirl but for other aspects of my life as well -- especially in the future.
Q. What are your future aspirations and what are you doing to achieve them?
A. I want to be a marine biologist and I am currently in the Maritime Cadets program as well as studying courses like biology, chemistry and physics. I am also preparing myself to take these courses as well as combined science for the BGCSEs (Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Examinations). I really want to make a difference wherever I go, so I'm really working hard to improve my grades as well as change myself for the better.
Q. If there was something about the school that you could change what would it be?
A. If I could change something about my school or students I'd definitely find a way to make it quieter. I love to read, so having a quiet place to do this is important to me. I think we get too "out of hand" at times and it can be a disturbance to students who value quiet moments. I think more quiet times or more quiet areas would be a great thing for the school, but I'm not sure what other things can be done to ensure this happens.
Q. In order for other students to excel as you have, what advice would you give to them?
A. I think students should use their time a lot more wisely and read more. I love to read so I find I do best by reading things over -- be it notes or just any book I find. When you read more you expose yourself to more knowledge as well as improve vocabulary and your English skills, which is a good thing for all subjects. This is really helpful in being extraordinary students. Sometimes it isn't what you are taught in the class or read in a textbook that gives you the edge over other students. It's reading in your spare time and improving yourself in small ways that you only notice when teachers ask you topics you never covered before, and you realize you are familiar with it because you read so much. So reading beyond what you have to do in class is always a plus in paving the way to excel in my opinion.
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