Isla MacLeod Blue House Captain 

What do you hope to achieve in your role this year?

This year my aim as captain was to encourage all Blue House students to work to the best of their ability. In order to motivate them, we devised a new system of merit collection to make sure student’s hard work was properly recognised, as well as making it easier for all blue house students to contribute to the house points system. The system has been relatively successful as it made both merit collection, as well as awarding Principals Awards much easier for students and teachers in Blue House.

 Who is a leader you admire, and why? 

I admire Malala Yousafzai, she is an activist for female education in Pakistan, and in 2012 Malala was shot by the Taliban. Despite the extreme diversity she has faced in her lifetime, she continues to speak up for her beliefs, and the rights of all women to have an education. She became the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace prize for her efforts, and continues to inspire people across the world of the importance of equal opportunities. I admire her for her strength, resilience and determination, as she is an example of how important it is to stand up for what you believe in, even at times of severe struggle.

What are your goals for the future? 

In the future I hope to attend university to study history, aiming to one day work in as a museum curator. I would love to travel the world, and see as many historical sites as possible, as well as to experience the many different cultures, and traditions our world has to offer.

Final statement for readers 

A quote from Mahatma Ghandi; “Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.”

Don’t let life’s ups and downs prevent you from succeeding, everyone is capable of amazing things, but you just need to believe that you can achieve them.