HILLCREST SECONDARY SCHOOL 01/2017 | Page 9

Head of School As I began to reflect on all the memories that Hillcrest has given me over the past five years, I realised just how fast time has gone. I distinctly remember being in year 9, entering a completely new environment, meeting a large group of diverse students from across the world, and just being excited to start secondary school. Little did I know just how much of an impact Hillcrest would have on me through the opportunities it has given me, and I can confidently say that Hillcrest has truly shaped me into the person that I am today. When I think about what makes Hillcrest the school that it is, and how I will remember Hillcrest after I leave, there are quite a few things that come to mind. Firstly, I would say the teachers. It is said that the best teachers are those who show you where to look but don’t tell you what to see. I believe that this perfectly describes the teachers at Hillcrest as they can help you confidently grow as an individual and assist you with the tools necessary to thrive in the real world. Not only this, but they are open to offer any extra help that you need in order to reach your full potential, whether it be a math problem you just can’t seem to solve, or a new hockey skill that seems pretty much impossible, or even watching a random YouTube video in Biology class that will actually help you better understand a complex topic. In addition, Hillcrest would not be the same without the bus drivers and ground staff, the lab technicians, the nurses and the front office who are always smiling and willing to help in any way they can. I would like to thank you all for your continued www.hillcrest.ac.ke support. No matter who you are or what you’re interested in, there will always be something for you here. Personally, I really enjoyed taking part in a lot of sports as it taught me the importance of not giving up. Outside sport, there are still a lot more options through the music and drama departments, and I commend the effort put into producing fantastic school plays, and also how impressive it is to have our own students directing a production such as ‘An Inspector calls’. I feel that Hillcrest has taught me important life lessons that have become instilled within me over the years. Through the countless opportunities offered, I’ve learned the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone, taking risks and embracing change. One reason why people resist change is because they focus on what they have to give up rather than what they have to gain. It’s how you adapt to the change and make it work in your favour that will truly set you apart from the norm. Similarly, Hillcrest has changed so much since I first came; it’s very promising to see it grow, thanks to innovative ideas and action. grown up from being children into young adults. But I know that now I measure my time here in a different way. I measure it in terms of the lifelong friendships I’ve made, unforgettable memories, and the times we have all shared together. We live in a world where there is so much going on every day, and I have no doubt that each and every single one of you will go on to make a difference, and make the world a better place; be the people that the world needs right now. So make the most of the time and opportunity given to you here as this is what will be your foundation for success in the future. By Pavan Jandu To all my fellow students, we have measured our time here day by day counting down until the holidays. We’ve measured it in terms and years as we have 9