Becoming Deputy Head Girl was never something I could have imagined myself achieving in my early years of secondary school. In primary School, I had stage fright and wasn’t very confident. 

However, one thing I knew for sure was that something had to change. I knew that I had to use my time at Ricards Lodge, and the multiple roles and programmes they offer to push myself out of my comfort zone to not only eradicate my fears but also gain skills to better myself.

Some say you only have a chance if you begin early, whereas I say it's never too late to start, becoming a member of the School Council, SMSC, and most notably a Cultural Ambassador. I played a major role, working with teachers and students tirelessly to organise Ricards' very first Culture and heritage day. I made assemblies and presented them in front of my school. I joined Model United Nations to improve my public speaking skills and satisfy my love for geography. I participated in the Jack Petchey Speak out challenge with no intention of making it very far, eventually winning 2nd place at the Regional Finals of Merton, and I did it all in Year 10. 

What I’m trying to say is that anybody can change. I recognise that it's not as easy as I make it out to be. Luckily, Ricards is filled with teachers and students that support your growth, cheer you on and help you to be the best version of yourself. 

My goal as a Deputy Head Girl is to help people find themselves and their full potential, help people overcome their fears and realise that there is hope in everyone, some people just haven’t found it in themselves yet.