Shock quickly turned to pride when Saarah Carrim heard her name announced as Auckland Park Preparatory School’s newly elected deputy head girl.

Although she had hoped she might be chosen, the Grade 6 learner never expected it, particularly with so many wonderful people who could have taken on the role. Now, Saarah is preparing to step into a leadership position she has dreamed about since Grade 0 – and she already has a clear idea of the kind of leader she wants to be. “I’m very excited to become more involved in the school, work closely with others, and build strong connections. Most of all, I’m excited to learn new things and grow from my mistakes.”
To Saarah, the role represents trust, responsibility, and an opportunity to make an impact, but leadership, she believes, begins with listening. She hopes her classmates chose her because they see her as someone who listens and cares about what others have to say. That same approach will shape the kind of deputy head girl she hopes to become: kind, reliable, responsible, and someone others can consistently count on.

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Saarah believes integrity, empathy, confidence, and humility are among the qualities that make a great leader. Rather than simply giving instructions, a good leader should bring out the best in others and make decisions that benefit everyone. She sees organisation as one of her biggest strengths and hopes it will help her manage her responsibilities, while supporting head girl Laura Muller and the rest of the leadership team.

Her vision also includes giving learners opportunities to think about values that matter beyond the classroom. One idea she would love to introduce is a different theme each month, with possibilities including hope, respect, culture, kindness, and inclusivity. “This way, we can create awareness on these important aspects of life.”

Making sure younger learners feel heard is another priority. Saarah believes pupils should never feel that their ideas are too small or insignificant to share. “I would tell them that their opinions matter and should be heard. Whatever they contribute is important and they should be given every opportunity to voice it comfortably.”

Her understanding of leadership has been shaped by her own journey at Auckland Park Prepartory. The school has taught her that leadership is not simply about the position someone holds, but about how they treat and influence the people around them.

Her parents have also played an important role in shaping her outlook. They have taught her that effort is greater than the result – a value she hopes to carry into her own leadership journey.

Also read: Could our countrys future president be at APPS?

Outside school, Saarah enjoys spending time with her family, playing tennis, doing gymnastics, and travelling, and although she may initially seem quiet, there is a much more outgoing side waiting to emerge. “I might seem quiet at first, but once you get to know me, you will see that I am humorous, outgoing, and fun. I love meeting new people and getting to know them.”

As she looks ahead to her leadership year, Saarah isn’t focused on making the biggest changes or leaving behind the grandest legacy. She wants to make a difference wherever she can, even if that shows in the small ways. Ultimately, she hopes her fellow learners remember her as someone who was kind, approachable, and cared about them.

For a young leader who believes the best leaders never stop learning, that may be the most meaningful legacy of all.

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