It’s a new year once again and the school is already busy with a new team of prefects leading the board. Prefects represent discipline and commitment in the school and to head the prefectorial board is no easy feat. I got the opportunity to interview 2011’s head prefect, Lauren Ong and assistant head prefect, Aidin Massoumi, after they mercifully adjusted their hectic schedule. Here’s how it went....

YJC: What do you think about your experience as head and deputy head prefect so far?

Lauren: Well, the first thing that comes to mind, is that it’s a whole- for lack of a better word- different experience. It’s great exposure for my future and I get to know so many things about school I never knew before. I know the entire system better and it’s a new learning experience for me, the most profound being learning how to manage my time effectively.

Aidin: It’s really an amazing experience. Being deputy head prefect is definitely not easy. The position comes with a tremendous amount of responsibilities and as deputy head prefect of the school, I have to make sacrifices as well as commitments. Though it is still early in the year, I have learned many valuable lessons which I will keep with me for the rest of my life.

YJC: Certainly your free time must be limited with all your responsibilities. What motivates you?

Lauren: The fact that all this is preparation for my future endeavours. I know that I will face many challenges in the years to come and this experience is to ready me for all that because I believe the skills I acquire will be very useful someday.

Aidin: Just knowing that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and that this is what’s best for me, drives me to work hard.

YJC: How are you working with your counterpart, Aidin?

Lauren: Pretty well, actually. We’ve been friends since primary and back then we even used to sit next to each other. So this friendship we share is great because I can understand how he works and he understands how I work. His cooperation makes things easy to coordinate and I enjoy working with him.

YJC: How are you working with your counterpart, Lauren?

Aidin: We work very well together. Lauren’s a great person to work with. Besides the fact that we’ve been classmates since we were 11, she’s a very positive, calm and cheerful person. We are pretty much stuck to each other seeing as she is Head Prefect, and I her Deputy and both of us are the Helang house captains. I definitely enjoy working with her and couldn’t ask for a better partner.

YJC: What do you like best about your position? How about the biggest setback of it?

Lauren: Being the Head Prefect is a definite bonus. I like the fact that I know about school issues firsthand and how the school is essentially run. The biggest complication with being the Head Prefect is the time consumption. There are many responsibilities and like I mentioned earlier, time management is essential. Moreover, I have to accept that some things are just out of my control, and it can be really stressful at times.

Aidin: Well, there are many perks to being the Deputy Head Prefect of the school but being looked up to by the student body, as well as being able to lead them is definitely a huge plus. As Heads, we are held responsible if anything goes wrong even if it isn’t entirely our fault. For example if assembly doesn’t turn out as smooth as expected. However, I understand it is part of the job but this is probably the biggest setback.

YJC: Tell us the most important value you’ve learnt as the Head Prefect.

Lauren: Good impressions are important. I’ve learnt to always carry myself well and be careful so that my image will not be tarnished, that I may be a good example to the students.

Aidin: I think the most important value that I’ve learnt so far is that management, organisation, and discipline are vital in achieving success.

YJC: And now allow me to ask you more personal questions so as to allow the student body a peek into the person behind the prefect who speaks into the microphone during assemblies. Firstly, what is your favourite TV show?

Lauren: Hmm, Chuck.

Aidin: I don’t actually watch many TV shows but I do enjoy watching Top Gear, or anything on the Discovery Channel, really.

YJC: What’s your favourite sport?

Lauren: My favourite sport is actually tennis but I’ve stopped playing that for now. So, my favourite sport that I currently play is handball.

Aidin: This is a tough one. I play many sports but at the moment, but the one sport that I enjoy playing the most is handball.

YJC: Who do you look up to the most?

Lauren: My parents. Because they’re always so on top of everything and through their care I have learnt many things. They’re very practical and always give me guidance and advice.

Aidin: My parents, definitely. They have taught me just about everything I know and are always there for me.

YJC: Last but not least, do you have any advice you would like to impart to aspiring prefects?

Lauren: Start working hard now. It may seem like a tough job, but in the end, it gives a lot of satisfaction. You learn so many worthwhile and valuable qualities. There are many events you get to be a part of that provide social opportunities. You get to spend time with friends, and together learn how to deal and cope with stress. So above all, start working towards it now.

Aidin: All I have to say is be yourself and have integrity in what you do. Do things because you want to, not because you want people to see you do it. Speak up, voice out your opinions, your ideas. Being active outside of the classroom is good too, not only on the field but also in clubs. We want all-rounded students who are academically stable and disciplined. Also, know your priorities. It is very important that students know what is most important for them and not take more than they can handle.

The YJC Editorial Board would like to thank both Lauren and Aidin for graciously allowing us time from their schedules.