On the AWSUM couch with Southdowns College’s Head Boy: Shaunak Mahajan

What are you looking forward to the most during your term as a leader? Fulfilling the expectations placed upon me. I have had a lot of support from my grade during the campaign. They truly believed I was the best possible candidate for the position. It really excites me to be repaying their support by amplifying their voices. I am also really looking forward to being a potential role model for the younger grades. I was greatly inspired by some of our previous head prefects.

What are your strengths and weaknesses? My photographic memory and ability to spontaneously speak in front of an audience without much preparation are going to be extremely helpful in the next year.

I’m a perfectionist to some degree and it can be really detrimental to give too much focus to small details. Although the smallest details resonate the most, I’ll need to learn to manage my time more effectively towards completing all my tasks.

Is there anything you would like to change at your school? With the pandemic having caused such an impact on our lives, I have made it a mission with some of my fellow prefects to re-create the cultural spirit and atmosphere that existed before the pandemic. While we are already on the road back, thanks to the efforts of the staff and spirit community, we intend to strengthen our spirit and stoke the lantern to burn brighter.

What do you love the most about your school? The utopian environment they create for us. It can only be described as utopian. In the hours that I’m at school, there is no worry about external life and its hardships. The campus is a safe place tucked away for us to learn and develop. It’s a safe place for us to harness our potential and bring them to the outside world at their best.

Matric is your final year, from an academic point of view, what are you aiming for? I’ve always been an academically strong student and I intend to aim for nothing less regardless of the added responsibility. Southdowns has had a history of outstanding academic results and we’re here to keep it going.

What will your message of encouragement be for your prefects/co-leaders? There is a reason we’ve been chosen and an important role for us to play. We have set many goals and expectations. It is now truly in our hands to lead the school as we’ve dreamt of doing for so long. As we pledged, let us light a flame that cannot be extinguished.

Who is your role model? Earl Nightingale. His understanding of complex philosophies and ability to convey them in such simplistic and effective manners is a skill that I have been working on developing. Earl Nightingale lived his life with some of the most powerful and disciplined values I have ever seen. He had a determination to improve his life and help those around him do the same.

What are your plans after matric in 2023? I am making a quick trip to England before starting my career at university. One of my dearest friends moved there recently and without him, I wouldn’t have been able to do anything. The hours we’ve spent together on calls motivating each other to do better and push further. I wouldn’t be where I am right now without him.

In terms of university, I’m ready for the new journey. I intend to get started right away and I’m excited with all the free time I will have to be able to improve myself even further.

If you could be any superhero, who do you want to be and why? I remember reading this somewhere: Iron Man. Genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist. Short, snappy and convincing.

On a regular Saturday, you will find me at… with… At a park or restaurant just jamming out with my friends (we’re all musically talented). There’s this inexplicably enticing promise when you’re just improvising and everyone is feeling it.

Who is your Hollywood celeb crush? Maybe Emma Watson? I’m not even a Harry Potter fan but I love the British accent.

Pick one:

• Netball, rugby, cricket, or hockey? Hockey.
• Cappuccino, hot chocolate, or tea? Cappuccino.
• Braai with friends or takeaways? Braai with friends.
• Binge-watching series or a live music festival? A live music festival.
• Android or iOS? Android.