When we rushed into the Information Technology (IT) Centre for our interview, running slightly late (took too much time answering the call of food), we expected a stern face and a lecture on punctuality by our very own head prefect. However, she was very forgiving and allowed us to continue with the interview, in fact, with a smile on her face.

YJC: What can you tell us about yourself?

Aemilia: My full name is Aemilia Teoh Su Yin, age 17.

YJC: How does it feel to be the head prefect?

Aemilia: (Laughs) It is a lot of work, but after a while I got used to it. There is a lot of duties, a lot. You receive many projects and orders from the administrators. Sometimes, they give you very little time to fulfill their requests, and that’s hard, too. In the end, the whole prefects’ board just work together.

YJC: Do people expect more from you?

Aemilia: Oh, yes. The teachers; teachers expect more from you, constant good grades, homework always on time and things like that. Also, your peers look up to you, and in turn expect more from someone they respect.

YJC: Would you consider yourself a perfectionist?

Aemilia: (Laughs) Well...yes. No. Sometimes! I’m not obsessively a perfectionist, but when you need something to be done well, then I become one. So I guess I am a half-perfectionist.

YJC: What are your motivations?

Aemilia: That’s a hard question! Well, I’d have to say I try to do my best, and the feeling of not wanting to disappoint anybody would be my motivations.

YJC: Is there any advice you would like to give us?

Aemilia: Participate in school activities, manage your time effectively, always be confident, but not over confident, of course. Oh, and if you have a loud voice, that’s good – use it! And also, always be humble.

YJC: Is there anything else you would like to say?

Aemilia: Enjoy your school life! And enjoy everything before SPM (laughs).

YJC: Thank you for your time, Aemilia.

Aemilia: You’re welcome!