In order to achieve your biggest dreams you have to be willing to work hard, according to T.A. Thompson Junior School head girl Jewel Sturrup. The studious 13-year-old dreams of being one of the country's highest achievers, and believes that her hard work will definitely pay off one day. She is glad to sacrifice and make the time to do what she knows is right to make her dreams come true. It is these values that the passionate ninth-grade student wishes to share with her peers as long as she is head girl of her school.
Q. What is your greatest motivation to do well academically?
A. My parents definitely push me to do well in school. I know that I have to do well now if I want to do well in the future. Education is the key, so I have to do my best. When I grow up I want to be a teacher, so I have to be a good student now so I can be a great teacher later.
Q. What do you think made you stand out from your peers to be voted in as head girl?
A. Well, there was a speech competition in which all persons who thought they would be a good head boy or girl had to participate in. I think I stood out in my speech by being honest and clear. I think my teachers saw that I was also a good leader, I participate in sports, club activities and still keep up with my work.
Q. What did you think your role as head girl would entail before you were given the position?
A. I knew I would have to be a good role model and help students do the right things. I have to help the prefects and make sure the school yard is cleaned up properly. Being a leader like I am right now is lot more exciting than I thought it would be.
Q. What is your greatest challenge as head girl and how do you overcome it?
A. The challenge I have is always doing the right things. The other students are always watching you and if you do one little thing that's wrong they make a big deal out of it and say "oh that's the head girl. She's not supposed to be doing that." I try not to get upset and ignore them because we are all human, and I just try harder to do better next time. It's hard being at the center of attention.
Q. What advice would you give to others students who aspire to be head of the student body like you are?
A. I would tell them to keep working hard and be respectful to teachers and other students. Get involved in other activities and try to stand out as a leader. Be different and learn to like yourself more. Have pride in yourself and be willing to do things others may not want to do. That's how I feel.
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