The Head Girl Chronicles

The thought of assuming an authoritative position within my high school seemed far-fetched and quite unimpressive to me at one point.

Having never actually gone further than class monitor or class captain, this was more responsibility than I’d ever been given within the confines of my high school. I was, however, not in the slightest impressed when I’d discovered that I’d been picked for the position that required me to step up my game.

I’d now like to admit that I definitely counted my chickens before they hatched. There’s more to the job than meets the eye. I have long days and even shorter nights, which makes it difficult for me not to be a zombie at school. I’ve realised that in this period of almost a month as head girl, I’ve had to reintroduce myself to various general concepts such as patience and the occasional resting of my face. I also find myself having inward conflict about certain situations that I’m presented with. Often times, I forget to let my moral compass guide me and let my stubbornness dictate what it is that I say and do. As much as I’d like to say I’m killing it, I’m really just doing it while balancing classes, football, debating and whatever is left of my social life – if I even have such a thing at this point. I’m making more sacrifices in my life than I’ve ever made before and I’ve never felt more ‘adult’ than I do in this moment.

I’ve come face-to-face with my biggest fears, namely public speaking, and I’ve had to tackle topics that are too close for comfort in the name of educating those around me. Being one of those kids that was always a go-getter and persistent, I knew that there were things I’d want to do this year, such as making sure I left the school knowing I made a mark, as the one who didn’t shy away from speaking on what we as a school faced and finding the means of resolving what I could. It’s going to be a long year and I know I might not achieve everything I set out to do, but I know I’ll definitely kick the door down if the opportunity won’t open itself up to me and my school community.

Despite the challenges and struggles I face day-to-day, I find joy in the one or two learners who take the time to greet me, to ask how my day is or to tell me how they appreciate what I do for the school community. It fills my heart with endless joy to know that I have a select number of learners that confide in me and allow me to be there for them in whatever way they need me. I also find joy in the few moments I share laughter with my team on a weekly basis, because I am nothing without their support and constant reassurance. In the end, my biggest joy will always be the fact that my achievements make me a better version of myself and prepare me to lead not only in my school but further into the big bad world I’ll be pushed into come November 2020.

Ndapanda Ambata is a18-year-old Namibian girl from Windhoek. She is currently the head girl at Westmont High School in Otjomuise. You can reach her at rambata8@gmail.com or 081 554 1522 and follow her on Instagram and Twitter @itschampagne17.

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