Vahini Naidoo

What is the most valuable lesson you learned at PLC Sydney?

The most valuable lesson that I learnt at PLC is to embrace the hidden talents you have. Going to a school with so many talented people can be daunting, but PLC's celebration of any and every aspects of each girl's personality is special and unique to this school. I have always been encouraged by my teachers to have self-confidence, stop doubting myself, and celebrate my successes no matter how small they may seem. I believe each PLC student has their own talents and I am so grateful that PLC encourages us not to look around at what others have, but to look within ourselves.

How important was it for you to balance your academic focus with other activities? eg co-curricular activities

My parents chose PLC Sydney because of the vast opportunities it offers alongside its extensive academic focus. During my interview with Ms Smyth in Year 5, I told her that I would be involved in every possible sport, musical instrument, and school event if I was given a place at PLC. And surprisingly, I held true to this during my time in high school. I have always given everything a go, sport, speaking, music, drama - regardless of whether I was talented or not in those areas. Trying new activities was absolutely essential - not only to balance the incredible challenge of sitting at my books all day, but also because it taught me so much about trying everything to find out more about myself and the kind of person I want to be.