For 16-year-old Dwaneika Colebrooke going through the long selection and interview process that led to her ultimately being selected as head girl of Doris Johnson Senior, was well worth the effort. The calm-natured 12th grade student was more than excited to take up the mantle and put a spin on being the new co-head of her school. The ambitious young lady with a 3.6 cumulative average said sometimes stepping outside of one's comfort zone to take on a challenge is the only way to develop as a person. She is glad she took the leap of faith despite her more laid-back personality, and hopes, through her work in her school she will encourage others to be adventurous. Q. What do you think made you stand out from your peers to be selected as head girl?
A. I believe that it was my positive attitude toward my teachers and peers along with my academic achievement that made me stand out enough from my peers to be selected as head girl. I am respectful, mannerly and I am told I have a calming presence. IâEUR^am able to listen to others and solve problems without getting riled up or upset myself. My grades are also above a 3.5 average and I always work hard to do better. I always try to plan ahead and be on top of whatever I am doing especially when it comes to my future. I think that kind of attitude was something that made me stand out to my teachers and peers as well.
Q. What are your future aspirations and what are you doing to pursue your dreams?
A. I want to be a genetic engineer in the field of forensic science. After I decided on what I wanted to do after I graduated I looked up schools to see if there were any that I liked that offered it. I see that there are a few in the Caribbean and in Canada that have good programs and I am working hard to get my grades up so I can be accepted. I am taking courses in Physics, General Science and keeping my grades up in Mathematics as well. I think it's important to put in all the hard work and long hours now so when I have to do harder courses or transition to other things in my life, it happens more easily.
Q. Why is it important to start early to plan what you want to do after graduation?
A. It is important to do this because you need to prepare yourself academically, financially and mentally for the direction you want your life to go. Without a plan you have some focus in your life and coming to school and working hard will make more sense to you. Many students get bored of school but that is because they don't see that this is an important stepping stone to accomplishing a lot later in life. I would advise all students to make goals--be it for a year or for five years. It's important to start thinking this way because life is not just about school and doing well, but doing what you can with what you have to make your dreams come true. And when you make plans also make a list or plan of how you will accomplish these things. For me it's about studying, researching my field of interest and being aware of changes that happen in it everyday.
Q. What study habits do you employ?
A. I think I have good study habits. I make time every day to review the work I did in school that day and the things I didn't understand as much I take more time to study it. Even on weekends I try to do a little studying by going over what I have done in the week. I don't have to study for more than an hour each day since I try to pay attention in class as best I can. These habits may not work for some students who learn differently but I would advise them to find what works best for them and be consistent in practicing it. Consistently good study habits will eventually lead to consistently good grades I find. I think it's also essential for students to always pay attention to their hardest subjects. You may not like it and it's easy to give up, but you need to keep at it. Even if it is the only subject you study some nights ensuring you work at it a little will show improvements.
Q. What is your weakest subject and what do you do to improve in it?
A. My weakest subject has to be English Language. I don't get terrible grades but it's the one I have to pay the most attention to and work hard to stay afloat. I try my best to write often in my spare time in order to improve my vocabulary and make my writing techniques better. I am seeing results. I would advise other students to find techniques to get them through their tougher classes whether it means rewriting notes from the class just to ensure you understand or recording what the teacher says so you can hear them again at home. No matter what, it is it is important to do whatever it takes to do the best you can.
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