Their answers display the compassion, generosity and spirit that our students show us every day.
Beatrice Ku
Who is a significant woman in your life?
I know it is probably cliché, but my mum has always been an amazing role model, always being loving, generous and kind.
Is there a high-profile woman in the world that you find particularly inspiring?
Corrie ten Boom was a woman who helped to hide and protect Jews during WWII, and is particularly inspiring due to her resilience, selflessness, and the hope that she found even while in a concentration camp, and facing incredibly challenging trials.
Do you have any advice for younger women?
Never forget that you are beautiful, worthy, loved, and beyond important.
Talitha Moss
Who is a significant woman in your life?
Throughout all the years of my life, my mum has been a very significant role model for me. Her ability to stand up for what she believes, her passion for those she loves, her strength in times of need and her ability to listen and love are truly special. I feel so blessed to have such a strong and courageous woman in my life, someone who is constantly on my side and pointing me to Jesus.
Is there a high-profile woman in the world that you find particularly inspiring?
Since I can remember I have always been inspired by Bethany Hamilton and her story. As a little girl learning to surf, Bethany was a picture of who I wanted to be when I was older. As a rising surfing star, Bethany suffered a life-threatening shark attack which resulted in the loss of her left arm. But this didn’t stop her. She went on to compete against the best female surf athletes in the world, winning world titles with only one arm. For me, Bethany’s story is one of courage, persistence and faith. A strong and unstoppable woman.
What are your hopes for the future – both for yourself and for the world?
My hope for the future is that our world would seek to grow in love, to find the true beauty that is inherently within others, that each one of us would make it a priority to love and build up those around us. As for my future, I see myself as a part of that world, working for the good of others, seeking to love and serve them.
Do you have any advice for younger women?
One piece of advice that I would pass on to young women is to be bold and confident in your choices and ambitions. To tackle life head-on, don’t doubt yourself or your abilities. You are strong and you are loved.
Eliza Heald
Who is a significant woman in your life?
My mum is a really significant woman in my life. She is always there to listen, to laugh and even to watch TV shows in French with me (despite knowing zero French) because I want to practise my French listening skills.
One of the things I really admire about my mum is how she puts others first, inspiring me to have humility, especially as a leader, both inside and outside of Meriden. Whenever I am stressed she reminds me to put things into perspective – to find balance, which I am very thankful for.
Is there a high-profile woman in the world that you find particularly inspiring?
Michelle Obama is someone whom I find particularly inspiring. From her positive attitude, to her passion and determination for social change, she is strong, caring and driven. She inspires young women to “walk their own walk” and “be themselves” and not look to the external world to define who they are.
What are your hopes for the future – both for yourself and for the world?
I want to keep challenging myself, be independent and enjoy what life brings. A common question I have been asked lately is “what do you want to do after school?” and my answer has been “I am not sure – there are so many possibilities”. Despite not knowing what to do yet, I am excited to travel around the world, enter the workforce, and spend time with my family and friends.
I hope that our world will continue to evolve. I hope that there will be better cooperation between world leaders on global matters, with the understanding that all lives are equally important. I hope that leaders will listen and lead with the purpose of unity.
Do you have any advice for younger women?
Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself – because more often than not we surprise ourselves with what we are capable of, and it can give you confidence. Be positive and surround yourself with positive people. Also, find a passion that brings you joy. Whether that be scrapbooking in front of your favourite movie or TV show, playing sport, playing an instrument or listening to music – anything!
Juna Suh
Who is a significant woman in your life?
A significant woman in my life is my mum. Not only has she sacrificed so much for me, as a first-generation migrant, but she has also led by example and taught me how to be patient and to persevere. She has helped me to become independent, allowing me to use my own knowledge and skills to overcome challenges, shaping me into the young woman I am today.
Is there a high-profile woman in the world that you find particularly inspiring?
I am inspired by the rising Korean actress Jung Ho Yeon. Her courage in stepping into the film industry as a world-renowned model and determination in showing her audience the best acting she can provide inspires me to pursue my passions, take risks and stay focused on my goals.
What are your hopes for the future – both for yourself and for the world?
I hope that I keep everything in perspective as I progress through my final year of school. I hope I can make the most of what I have learned at school, both my education and the life lessons, to chase and excel in what I am passionate about when I leave Meriden.
Similarly, I hope that all schools become a platform for girls to pursue their passions in a world free of any bias or discrimination against women.
Do you have any advice for younger women?
Try not to dwell on your mistakes. I have often found myself in the never-ending rabbit hole of “if only I had done this, not that”. Whether a silly error in an exam or a slip of the tongue to your friend, first take time to acknowledge your mistake. It’s part of the school experience. Know what you did wrong, take action to fix the issue, and then move on. Dwelling on mistakes creates so much unnecessary pressure and anxiety for ourselves, making it even harder to prevent mistakes from happening in the future.
Look at mistakes as an opportunity to learn, not a way to be harsh on yourself.
