From Newcomer to Leader: Josephine’s Inspiring Speech
As we continue our look back at this year’s College Leadership Team (Head Girls) speeches, today it’s the turn of Josephine. She reflects on her four years at The Mount School. Her heartfelt speech offers a poignant look at how the school has shaped her into the young woman she is today.
Hello, I’m Josephine
1166 days ago, I joined The Mount, and I can honestly say it has been the best experience of my life so far. Throughout my time here, I have changed as a person, and watched both myself, and everyone around me grow into the wonderful people they are today. Before I joined, I was unaware of the huge impact that this community would have on me, and the lifelong friendships I would make.
The Mount, however, wasn’t always in our plans. I would never have thought I would end up here, but, after my older sister, came to the school for College, I was swift to convince my parents to let me come too. And so, after the Easter holidays of Year 10, I left my previous school and joined The Mount. Not long after, my youngest sister decided that it wasn’t fair seeing her two older sisters having fun at school, and so, she too convinced them to let her move.
On my first day, despite how daunting it felt, I was greeted with welcoming faces and found it didn’t take long for me to soon make friendships which I know will last a lifetime. I am grateful for how comfortable and at ease everyone made me feel, and I would like to thank everyone who helped me settle in so quickly.
I want to say thank you to all my teachers for supporting me and for pushing me to achieve my personal best. This year has been filled with so many academic opportunities, and these have allowed myself, and girls in other year groups, to explore these in an innovative way. Throughout our time in College, we have been taught study skills, and this has played a huge role in helping us achieve academic success, as well as to feel ready for university, and the next chapter in our lives. I know that we are leaving this school prepared for the future.
My time at The Mount has provided me with the environment to let me grow and develop as a person. Supported by my friends and teachers, I can confidently say I am a much different person to the girl I was. I never would have thought that I could find myself enjoying school or being so sad to leave a school for that matter! The Mount has truly helped me change my perspective and outlook on life, by giving me the space to understand what a true school should feel like.
I have spent much of my time in College preparing for the Borealis expedition to East Greenland. After almost 2 years of planning, we are getting ready to depart in just a couple of weeks’ time, despite this being a moment I never thought would quite arrive! I know that myself, and the 6 girls will create incredible, and unique memories together over the 4 weeks that we are away, and we are all excited for this once in a lifetime experience.
I want to thank all of Year 13 for making my time here so enjoyable, and to also thank the people who took the time to make me feel so comfortable, within such a short space of time, in my first term of Year 10. I know you will all go on to pursue amazing things in your lives and will achieve great success in whatever you choose to do. It feels as if I have been a part of this community so much longer than I have, and yet I can’t believe it is nearly over. I know that I will always be part of The Mount community, and will still remain a part of the school, even after I leave.
I am eternally grateful for everything The Mount has provided me with, and I know that my life has, and will continue to be, defined by my experiences at this school. Thank you.
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