Breaking Barriers: My Journey to Becoming The Head Girl
My name is Veronica Patrick Shunda (16 years), a Form Two student at Shebomeza Secondary School in Amani Ward, Muheza District. My journey into leadership began when I was in Form One, where I had the privilege of participating in the Ujana Salama training. This program equipped me with vital skills in leadership, self-awareness, and confidence building. It also planted a seed of ambition in me that I never thought possible.
While still in Form One, I decided to contest for the position of school academic leader. Encouraged by my teachers, some even suggested I should aim higher and run for the head girl position. I was hesitant at first after all, I was only in Form One but I decided to give it a try. Unfortunately, I didn’t secure enough votes to win. However, I didn’t lose hope; I believed my time would come.
When I advanced to Form Two, the election for student leaders arrived again. This time, I set my sights firmly on the head girl position. After the nomination process, only two candidates remained: a Form Three student and me. The competition was intense. Many senior students specially form Three and Four doubted me, believing that a younger student could not effectively lead the school. Some even viewed my candidacy as a challenge to their interests.
Despite the skepticism, I remained steadfast. My ability to speak confidently and my determination began to win over some of the senior students. I drew strength from my Ujana Salama training, which had taught me to believe in myself and never give up.
The final day of the campaign was the most challenging yet. In front of the entire school, each candidate was required to give a speech in English outlining their vision for the role. As I stood up to speak, many Form Three and Form Four students jeered, shouting, “You won’t make it!” But their negativity only fueled my resolve. Drawing on my training and courage, I delivered my speech fluently in English, while my opponent struggled to say even few words.
The response was overwhelming. Many students who had initially opposed me, including some seniors, changed their stance.
When the votes were counted, I emerged victorious, becoming the school’s first-ever Form Two head girl.
This victory was not just a personal achievement but also a testament to the power of confidence and perseverance. The Ujana Salama training didn’t just transform me it inspired many of my classmates to step into leadership roles. For the first time in our school’s history, half of the candidates for various leadership positions came from Form Two.
I am incredibly grateful for the lessons I learned through Ujana Salama and as a proud Fema Club member. This journey has shown me that with determination and the right support, even the most daunting barriers can be overcome.