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Charlotte Coutts
 
Photo by Isla Huffadine

Meet the Prefects

Charlotte Coutts —

Charlotte Coutts - Sacristan

If you had told me a few years ago that I would have to get up and speak in front of the school twice a week in chapel I would have totally freaked out. But this last year at St Hilda’s has made me change and grow in many ways. Starting out in year 7, I was a shy girl with an oversized uniform, who knew absolutely no one else in my year group. But over the last 6 years, I have finally grown into the uniform both literally and figuratively. Now I feel a sense of pride every time I put it on because I am lucky to be a St Hilda’s girl.

St Hildas has shaped me into the person I am today, and for that, I’m truly grateful. School has given me so many opportunities, from sports, academic, cultural and school camps. Personally the camps at school offer, but in particular year 13 PE camp to Murchison has been a highlight. It may surprise many that I’d mention a camp which I spent 5 days CRYakaing, which was my version of kayaking whilst crying. But I would have to say that Murchison has been the highlight of my time at St Hilda’s. It taught me how much more faith I need to have in my own abilities. I would suggest this trip for absolutely everyone, because it will too be a life-changing experience for you!

Being named a prefect was a particularly surprising experience, I didn’t think that many people even knew who I was. Overwhelmed and scared I headed into the unknown. It seemed so strange carrying the cross into chapel for the first time as I had always thought of the prefects as so old, but yet I was now one of them. I am so grateful for the role that I have been given, and couldn’t have done it without the support of Dr Townsley and my amazing sidekick Bella. I have been astonished by how much my confidence, especially in public speaking, has improved. I’ve found it interesting seeing all of the hard work that goes into every chapel service. It has been enjoyable being able to give back to the school community which has given me so much. I’ll forever be able to sing Lead me Lord and recite the school prayer off by heart.

For the future and the dreaded “what are you doing next year” question quite frankly I have no idea what I want to do. In a way, I can’t imagine my life without being here. I think that’s due to not wanting to leave the amazing friends and staff that I have been privileged to be surrounded by. I hope to pursue something related to biomechanics or exercise physiology. But ultimately, in the end, it’s not about what I want to do instead who I want to be.