On Wednesday 25 February, we had the privilege of spending the day at the University of Waikato as part of the Headz Up Young Leaders Programme.
The event brought together approximately 160 head and deputy head students from across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions and was held at the university of Waikato’s Academy of Performing Arts.
The day began with a welcome session, followed by some advice from former head students from a range of schools. They encouraged us to view high school as only a small section of our lives and reminded us that this is a valuable time to challenge ourselves, embrace new opportunities, and learn from our experiences. They also emphasised the importance of recognising the strong support networks that surround us, including friends, teachers, coaches, and family.
We also heard from three current university students who are recipients of the Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship. They shared the challenges they have encountered in their leadership journeys and the strategies they used to overcome them. Their presentations reinforced the idea that while setbacks are inevitable, it is our response to those challenges that shapes our growth as leaders.
A particular highlight of the day was the opportunity to connect and collaborate with student leaders from other schools. Engaging with a diverse range of leadership styles and perspectives was both inspiring and valuable. The experience has further developed our confidence and leadership capability, equipping us to continue contributing positively to the Hillcrest community.
