by Kayla Vasquez
In this edition of Have You Met This Raider?, I interviewed Sidra Anjum, a grade 10 student at STA. Throughout this interview, Sidra answers various questions about her personal views, her attitude, and insight on her experiences in quarantine:
Q. What are you best known for at STA?
A. Each student’s perception of my personality is unique; however, it’s not a limit to my improvement and continuing to be my best self. Considering that I enjoy meeting new people and new perspectives, I aspire to be someone who is considered welcoming and easily approachable.
Q. What is your motto?
A. My motto in life is “STRIVE TO INSPIRE .” I want to promote the importance of confidence and to help people showcase the best of their abilities. I know how prosperous our society could be if everyone does what they are passionate about!
Q. What are some topics you feel passionately about and why?
A. Factors like mental health, financial status, and the environment play a huge role in the development of people and society. Therefore, my goal is to raise awareness about these factors and their flaws with the vision that each person can have the opportunity to follow their dreams if they are provided the basic necessities and support systems equally.
Q. What is your favourite thing about our school community?
A. I am very proud to be a part of an amazing school community where I believe each person is able to freely express themselves while learning in a safe and welcoming environment. I love how each person is respectful to one another and how interesting each of their personalities are.
Q. How have you been staying positive and motivated during quarantine?
A. I would like to first acknowledge that these times have been rough for everyone, and that it’s normal to feel tired, unmotivated, and generally be sick of this pandemic. For the first few months, I was struggling with my sleep schedule and my productivity, and it was difficult to accept that this would be our reality for quite some time. After hours of reflection, I have realised that people have it worse out there, so I decided to be grateful for everything that I am privileged to have while enjoying the little simple things in life at the current moment.
Q. What final messages do you have for our readers?
A. I would like to say that you should NEVER EVER underestimate your capabilities. You can do incredible things when you believe in yourself, so don’t let the fear of being embarrassed or disliked stop you from being someone you don’t even know yet. It’s up to you if you want to be controlled over baseless, temporary opinions or instead, break loose of this toxic chain and be the genuine person you want to be; the person that’s stuck inside of you waiting to be a part your ACTUAL reality right now, not the constructed and “overthought” one.