Catching up with: Government High School head boy Leonardis Moss

Wed, Jun 20th 2012, 01:58 PM

Learning to use his natural gifts of outspokenness and eloquence to represent his school and be the true reflection of his peers was something Leonardis Moss treasured most during his tenure as head boy of Government High School. The 17-year-old who graduated with a 3.10 grade point average said being a responsible and outgoing student was not new to him, but learning to take responsibility to another level and lead the student body was a new concept. Even so, he said he was up to the challenge and felt that his natural ability to adapt to situations and make the best out of what he has helped him reach a new pinnacle in his life. After tasting the fruit of effective leadership and learning the hard and meaningful lessons that come with a frontline position he hopes to have future opportunities to do it again.

Q. What do you think made you stand out among your peers?
A. I think it was the fact that I am a leader. I am responsible and outgoing. I do whatever is needed to get a job done. I don't procrastinate and I really work hard. I was leadership material even before I took up the mantle.

Q. What does it mean to you to be a leader?
A. A leader is someone who leads by example and by who they are as a person. To be a leader you must be able to fall back and let others shine. Be on call whenever someone needs assistance. You're not always required to say I'm leading or anything. It's about having a humble spirit as well. It's not about taking charge all the time. It's about helping others and guiding them to their full potential. You have to encourage, motivate and empower others to do their best and be the best example of what you mean for them to see and follow.
Q. What advice would you give other young men who wish to take up the mantle as head boy?
A. I would tell them to respect the title. They weren't given it for show. Your teachers and peers saw something in you that led them to want to elect you to the position, so it's up to you to live up to it as best you can. It's also important to be yourself and not let the title get to your head. Many people forget that they were given the title for who they were and having it is not an indication that you need to change, especially if it's negative. Let it draw out the best in you but be careful to continue being you and keeping the important things like family and schoolwork prioritized in your mind. You cannot forget your goals despite your responsibilities.

Q. How important is it to always have a goal in mind and not lose sight of it?
A. To me it means everything. No matter what comes your way, you have to have a plan so you know where you are headed. Life will throw you curve balls and if you forget why you are working so hard in the first place it's easy to give up. Even as head boy I was still focusing on leaving school and being who I would want to be. I want to be a pastry chef and even though I was busy with my responsibilities I made sure I got my Bahama Host certification, studied Spanish and family and consumer science so I could give myself an advantage when I left school. To me thinking ahead is key and with a goal you are able to plan and see your way no matter what.

Q. What is the best lesson you have learnt as head boy?
A. It definitely taught me how to balance things and to always be prepared. I had school and knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I had church matters and home matters to think about but I knew that I had to make time for it all no matter if I wanted to or not. I learned how to just give my all and prioritize better. I learned how to definitely not lose sight of what I wanted in life and to always have goals. Nothing will get done if you don't plan. To be prepared is to be responsible I feel.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian

 Sponsored Ads