For this week’s Meet the Pupil, we’re delighted to introduce Chau Anh L P in Macgregor House, a Prefect at Mill Hill International.

Currently on a one-year course, Chau Anh has truly made the most of her time here, excelling in a leadership role and making a positive impact on the school community.

We caught up with her to hear about her experience at Mill Hill International and what being a pupil leader means to her.

Tell us about yourself…

I'm Chau Anh and I'm 15. I'm in the one-year course group. This is my first year in MHI.

I'm currently a Prefect at school. I was able to improve my leadership, management skills as the Prefects collaborate together to improve the school, which was a big responsibility. It also allowed me to make a positive impact on the school community, trusted by all teachers and pupils. However, the biggest part was that this role has helped me build confidence, stay calm and composed during public speaking. It was something that I struggled with.

Are you involved in any school clubs or societies? What do you enjoy most about them? 

The clubs that I'm attending include the badminton club, which is a great co-curricular for me to relax while improving on my skills, joining school competitions as well as having fun with my friends. I also do art as one of my clubs because in the one-year course, these small sessions give me extra time to improve on my work. It is never a waste of time to try out new things in my artwork even if it doesn't work out.

What is your favourite subject? 

My favourite subject is art because it offers endless opportunities for expression and creativity. I enjoy exploring different styles, materials, and techniques because they allow me to push boundaries and discover new things. It is constantly evolving; the diversity of techniques lets me continuously grow and challenge myself. Even though I love art, I didn't choose what I was most passionate about to work on, in my first art coursework the effort was minimal I started hating it. Now that I've chosen what I wanted to do, I'm enjoying it so much more and the quality of my work has improved.

Who is someone you look up to, and what do you admire about them?

I don't have anyone that I truly look up to in particular. However, I do admire those who are consistent with their effort and their work. They show how success doesn't come from bursts of effort but steady progress, creating habits. Their patience, persistence, determination and a positive mindset are something I find inspiring. It is something that I'm slowly working on.

If you could give one piece of advice to younger pupils in school, what would it be? 

I wasn’t the best student in my old school before I came here, I lost my motivation to strive forward; however, the environment, encouragement, and support from my friends and teachers pushed me.

The opportunities that I have received brought me out of my comfort zone. A piece of advice to younger pupils in school is that you're capable of more than you think; you'll be surprised at what you accomplish when you actually try.

Every small step is a huge change for me.