Nidhi Prasad

Ram Ram, I am Nidhi Prasad and this year I had the pleasure of representing Tīeke as Head Student. This head student role has been an honour to uphold. I have had opportunities placed before me that have inspired me to take the next step, meeting Jacinda Ardern, Abbas Nazari, and taking part in many leadership conferences. My time here at Hornby High School has been filled with so many opportunities and through this role, I have developed as a person and learnt so much about myself.

It’s amazing what a little girl from Ba, Fiji can achieve. Looking back at my high school journey I see it has been full of ups and downs, from making precious memories on camp and school trips to trying to stay sane during the end of term. I have appreciated every bit of it. As cliched as it sounds, it feels like yesterday when I first started high school in 2016 as a scared year 7 with one blonde streak in my hair - I honestly thought I looked cool.

Over the years, I have grown so much, from being shy and reserved to being an outspoken and some what loud character - I think my family would agree. However, during my time here at Hornby High School.  I have learnt some very valuable lessons. Firstly, learning to go with the flow. Being a pedantic person going with the flow was a crazy idea for me. I liked order and control. Unfortunately, life has ways of testing you and over these past few years, I have been trying to control situations. But, this year I actually understood what it meant to let it go. Therefore, I encourage anyone here with the same personality as me to understand that not everything is going to go according to plan - and that is okay!

Something I live by is captured in a quote from the Bhagwat Gita -

"whatever has happened was for good,

whatever is happening is for the good and

whatever is going to happen is also for the good".

Even though it may not seem like it at the time whatever is destined for you will happen. It is important to acknowledge that nothing is permanent. So my one piece of advice to the students sitting in the audience is to enjoy every single bit of high school, the good and the bad.

Step outside of your comfort zone and take every opportunity. Lastly, embrace your culture - every bit of it. This is what makes you unique. I speak on behalf of all the Year 13’s in thanking these amazing teachers for their support. I would like to personally thank Ms Aitken for her delicious treats - those really did help, Mrs Turner for her utmost dedication and kindness, Mrs Handley for her wise words of wisdom and unlimited patience, and Mr Heath for his endless encouragement and support.

I would like to acknowledge my primary school teachers Mr Scott, Ms Weaver, and Mr Roberts, for believing in me. Thank you to Becs - my counsellor - for supporting me through my hardest times. And thank you to the prefects. It has been a pleasure working with you this year. I would like to thank my friends and family for supporting me. Thank you to my family sitting in the audience and also to those who can not be here with us today.

A big thank you to my mum and dad who have consistently supported my goals - even those that were out of the ordinary. Thank you to my number one fan - Risha - for always hyping me up. Lastly, I would like to acknowledge an angel in heaven for shaping the woman I am today. Her strength, courage, and wisdom, have inspired me to be just like her. Thank you to the class of 2022 you all hold a special place in my heart. Although it is sad not being able to see everyone every day I wish you well for the future and can’t wait to see everyone achieve their goals.

Thank you for choosing me as one of your Head Students. I hope I have lived up to the role.