TO say that Janique Lee and Jabari Hastings are exceptional young people would be an understatement. The two have between them eight CSEC 2014 national top 10 placements, including tying for first place in physics. Both students are also well-rounded, Jabari being a member of successful chess and lawn tennis teams for his school, and Janique leading her school’s table tennis team. It is therefore no surprise that the eighteen-year-olds have emerged to lead their school population of about 1,500.

This week, Career & Education has a discussion about leadership with these student leaders.

NAME: Jabari Hastings

NOTABLES: – First in CSEC mathematics, chemistry, physics and geography, 2014.

– Central American and Caribbean Mathematical Olympiad bronze medallist.

NAME: Janique Lee

NOTABLES: – Top ten in Jamaica in CSEC mathematics, additional mathematics, information technology and biology, 2014.

– Captain of the Campion table tennis team who are Urban Champions for the last three years.

C&E: Did you always want to become the heads of your student body?

Jabari: Not at first. I initially shied away from the spotlight but as I developed through my school years, I eventually wanted to become head boy.

C&E: What factors led to you eventually wanting it?

Jabari: I realised that I had leadership traits and I felt that I could use them to help to influence the school and possibly inspire its cohort.

C&E: Leadership traits such as?

Jabari: I’m approachable, considerate, trustworthy, motivated and responsible.

Janique: I always admired the previous head girls because they were so charismatic and dynamic. I felt that as head girl I could have a similar impact on the students and inspire them to embrace their individualities. So yes, I always wanted to be head girl.

C&E: How important do you guys think student leaders are in schools?

Jabari: I think they are extremely important because they provide examples of people who exemplify Campion’s core values.

Janique: I agree. As the chief intermediary between students and the administration, student leaders are able to emphasise the importance of being responsible and following school rules.

Jabari: They also can guide students in aspects of their daily lives such as academics and clubs or sports.

C&E: What are some of the challenges you face as head students?

Janique: Time management, as there are so many activities we have to do as student leaders. Duties and countless responsibilities, in addition to schoolwork, can sometimes be challenging. However, they are rewarding especially when you can see positive changes in some of the students.

Jabari: I couldn’t agree with Janique more. Head students have to effectively find balance in their hectic schedules, juggling both schoolwork and their duties. Apart from that, they may find it particularly challenging to explain the occasional rule to curious students.

C&E: How do you find that balance?

Jabari: Many times I don’t (LOL). It’s often very difficult to get that perfect balance. Yet, juggling responsibility and school has taught me to use time more efficiently. I may have less time for assignments but I have learned to study better.

Janique: It’s very difficult for me as well. Like Jabari, I’ve definitely learnt a lot from this position in terms of using limited time more wisely. I’ve also seen my decision-making skills and self-discipline improve.

C&E: Briefly describe the selection process.

Jabari: At the end of the previous year, nominations for the Senior Council were made by sixth form students. This group comprised of six boys and girls who demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities. Teachers and the administration also had their input in this process. At the start of the following school year, another analysis was done which yielded the head boy and head girl along with their respective deputies.

C&E: Name one person locally that you admire as a leader and why.

Janique: I admire Lisa Hanna, Jamaica’s Minister of Youth and Culture. While I haven’t met her personally, I admire everything she represents. Not only is she fair and professional, but she exudes a certain elegance while still having fun and remaining spirited. The pride and trust she places in the youth of our country inspires me to be a proud and hard-working head girl.

C&E: On that point of women, there is a view that females are marginalised in leadership, especially politics; that they are not taken seriously. Do you think this still exists or is it changing?

Janique: It must be noted that Jamaica is one of the few countries with a female prime minister, indicating that women are not marginalised. Now, more than ever, women are being empowered.

Jabari: I admire Norman Manley. I always knew of him as one of Jamaica’s National Heroes but it was only of late that I began to understand just how profound his contribution to Jamaica was. Manley was a visionary, an icon and above all, a patriot. His excellence as a leader has inspired many Jamaicans like myself to make a positive impact on our nation.

C&E: So Jabari, is there anyone living that you consider great or the best locally?

Jabari: I find it tough to say which one would be the best alive today but I consider Minister Ronald Thwaites to be a great leader. It’s clear that he has a vision for our education system that will ultimately provide equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of socioeconomic background.

C&E: Describe your leadership style.

Jabari: I think I am very accommodating and willing to listen to alternative viewpoints. I also frequently ask for feedback to learn how to more effectively manage a situation in the future. I also believe in giving credit where it is due and consider myself supportive.

Janique: I think I am very accommodating as well. I always try to find a way to ensure that everyone’s viewpoint is heard and appreciated. I’m also very adaptable to the different situations and types of students I encounter as a student leader. This may involve finding creative methods of communicating a message, for example skits or songs in assembly.

C&E: Do any of you aspire to leadership at higher levels?

Janique: No. I do not believe that my involvement in a higher leadership position would necessarily cause the change I would like to see in Jamaica. However, I hope that through the career I wish to purse in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), I’d be able to effect a positive change in how women in the engineering field are viewed.

C&E: What is the career you hope to pursue?

Janique: Biomedical engineer

C&E: Why?

Janique: Simply put, I have a passion for biology and chemistry and I hope to impact the medical-technological world as it relates to the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses that are often not easily detected or are currently incurable.

C&E: What career do you hope to pursue, Jabari?

Jabari: At this moment, I am unsure. I do know that I want to pursue a career in STEM like Janique and if it takes me to leadership at higher levels, then so be it. I like that STEM is all about problem solving and discovery.

Head girl Janique Lee (left) and head boy Jabari Hastings with Campion principal Grace Baston.

Head girl Janique Lee and head boy Jabari Hastings with their deputies John Lord (2nd left) and Nadani Dixon (2nd right).