On the AWSUM couch with Southdowns College’s Head Girl: Joyce Musungaie

What are you looking forward to the most during your term as a leader? I am most looking forward to reuniting the school through spirit, respect and most importantly companionship. I also hope to be the microphone that magnifies the voice and ideas of the college to create a comfortable and enjoyable schooling environment.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

• My ability to be empathetic toward others can be seen as a strength. Empathy is something we lack a lot in today’s society, and I believe it plays a crucial role in character development.
• My biggest weakness is that I do not like ask for help. This is quite ironic considering the position I have been placed in. The hope is to improve this weakness by working alongside my co-leaders to achieve our common goal.

Is there anything you would like to change at your school? I would like the SEC to find innovative ways to inspire a character filled with spirit, loyalty, and integrity in every single pupil. The school has supported me a great deal and now it is time for me to give back by serving every single person in the college.

What do you love the most about your school? I love that Southdowns College is a very diverse school, not only in terms of pupils and staff but also regarding extracurricular activities provided by the school and the approach to learning is quite innovative.

Matric is your final year, from an academic point of view, what are you aiming for? From an academic point of view, I am aiming to improve my results by being better than I was in the past. At the end of the day, you are your biggest competition. However, the biggest goal is to make excellence a habit through hard work, perseverance and not being afraid to ask for help when needed.

What will your message of encouragement be for your prefects/co-leaders? My message of encouragement to my co-leaders is to lead with courage, compassion, and kindness. Most importantly to lead with the goal in mind which is “to light a fire that can never be extinguished.”

Who is your role model? My role model is Yara Shahidi. She is an American actress who also happens to be an activist for feminism and women in STEM. She has created many groups and organisations as well as campaigns that hope to end poverty, promote education, and empower young women. I hope to be half the leader and role model she is to the pupils of the college.

What are your plans after matric in 2023? I plan on studying for a medical degree abroad to one day hopefully become a cardiothoracic surgeon. I might do a little bit of travelling before my studies as it has always been a dream of mine.

If you could be any superhero, who do you want to be and why? The Flash because his powers go beyond super speed. He can vibrate his body molecules through objects, phase through anything, and break the time and multiverse barriers all while using the physics of speed to defeat his enemies. His knowledge combined with his superpowers make him the greatest hero of all time and that I why I would like to be the flash.

On a regular Saturday, you will find me at… the mall or at lunch with friends.

Who is your Hollywood celeb crush? Michael B Jordan.

Pick one:

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