Page 122 - DAIS Insignia 2024-2025

STUDENT COUNCIL

RIDDIMMA SAMPAT VANSH AGGARWAL
HEAD GIRL, 2024-25 HEAD BOY, 2024-25

In 2019, during the Jaguars vs. Lions semi-final of the The outgoing council left behind a culture of composed,
Inter-House Football tournament, an unexpected collaborative leadership—one that made its mark
moment became a lasting memory. As an 11-year-old without needing volume. It was a legacy that offered
fifth grader playing in the combined under-12 and both inspiration and quiet guidance.
under-14 category, I was surprised to be called upon to
take the first penalty. With the pressure of the match Working with the incoming council was a privilege. It
and the eyes of teammates and spectators on me, was a team filled with energy, ideas, and a shared belief
doubt crept in. But in that moment, a quiet voice within in making the year count. There were planning sessions,
said—take the risk. moments of disagreement, laughter, and long hours.
But most of all, there was trust—and the understanding
The shot went in, and cheers followed. But what that leadership meant listening just as much as it
remained most memorable was what happened next. meant leading.
My journey with the Dhirubhai Ambani International I truly believe that my time at DAIS has given me Despite our eventual loss, the Head Boy at the time,
School began in 2021, amidst the uncertainty of the opportunities that have impacted my beliefs and skills Aryaman Dholakia, and several council members walked Over 11 years at the school, friendships grew that
pandemic. Nervous yet brimming with excitement, I sat in more ways than I could have dreamt of. Thank you over to offer their encouragement. That simple act of spanned across batches and continents. Some friends
in front of my laptop screen and pressed 'join meeting'. I Nita ma'am and Isha ma'am for fostering a culture of recognition was powerful—it made me understand what are now based in the UK, yet the connection remains
was greeted by thirty unfamiliar faces - many of whom genuine growth where students are comfortable leadership could mean. Since that day, I had quietly unshaken. These peer relationships added momentum
would eventually become my closest friends – and felt a stepping outside their comfort zone, where they are hoped to one day stand in that position myself. to everything—driving participation, softening setbacks,
sense of warmth and zeal unafraid to step out into the world knowing that there is and amplifying every milestone.
always a place for them back home - a place that Now, being selected as Head Boy, I have come to realise
In the 9th grade, I had the opportunity of being Vice believes in their limitless capabilities. that every milestone in the journey was shaped by risks, The most enduring lesson of the year remained simple:
Student Council Coordinator. That year was one filled stepping into unfamiliar spaces, volunteering for risk-taking didn’t demand fearlessness—it demanded
with memorising the rules of every sporting event, To our Heads and teachers, thank you for being there for uncomfortable roles, applying for positions without honesty. Honest effort, honest fear, and the choice to
making the minutes of council meetings and lots of us through thick and thin, for guiding us, uplifting us guarantees. Each instance became a lesson in courage move anyway. Growth rarely came from certainty; it
spreadsheets. That white badge now reminds me of the and getting to know us. Your invaluable mentorship and growth. came from raising a hand despite doubt, stepping up
thousands of core memories we made and countless has taught us the value of transparency, integrity, hard despite nerves, and choosing involvement even when
lessons learnt. work and compassion, which are at the heart of our This spirit of risk-taking extended well beyond the outcomes weren’t guaranteed.
school's culture. individual. The school consistently embraced
As I received the role of Head Girl, introspection gripped Serving as Head Boy was more than an opportunity—it
me. To me, this badge represents the honour of working It has been an incredible honour to represent such a change—competing in global arenas like robotics, was a window into what collective energy and trust can
performing in national-level sporting events, and most
with a wonderful group of people and the talented, diverse and passionate student body. achieve. The role allowed for deep insight into the
responsibilities that came with it. It encompasses the I have witnessed juniors and peers bringing house spirit recently, transitioning to an entirely new campus. These workings of the school, but more importantly, into the
awe and admiration I have for the Head Girls before me, leaps weren’t always easy, but they forged resilience, people who shaped it.
the legacy that I have tried my best to uphold. to life with their enthusiasm, unity and immense strengthened the community, and reminded everyone
potential. As Head Girl, it was of utmost importance to that progress often begins with uncertainty.
I have had some of my life's best experiences in DAIS, be me that every student's ideas were heard, strengths In the end, the title mattered less than the mindset it
it discovering my love for MUN in my first conference in were seen and contributions were noticed and Throughout this experience, support came from all required—one of presence, responsibility, and reflection.
The year was a reminder that leadership is often not
the 8th grade, spending the last day of 10th grade encouraged. I, along with the entire Student Council, directions. The Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and
writing notes on each other's T-shirts, or solving every have poured my heart into our work with honest Heads provided the framework for initiative and about standing out, but about standing with. And that
the most important thing a leader can do is show up for
challenge that came our way as the Core Council. commitment and utmost dedication. It has been my confidence to thrive. Their vision allowed students to
absolute honour to represent my home and live one of take chances while staying grounded in purpose. others—just as others once did.
This school is synonymous with home for over a my biggest dreams, and I am tremendously grateful for
thousand students. In all of these experiences, if there is all that this experience has taught me. Teachers played an equally important role. Through Vansh Aggarwal
one lesson that has repeatedly stood out to me, it is that challenges and encouragement, they stretched comfort Head Boy 2024-25
true leadership lies in recognising the good in every Riddimma Sampat zones, often seeing potential before students saw it in
individual. Each person has their own unique strengths Head Girl 2024-25 themselves. Their impact was both subtle and
and it is so important to identify, appreciate and make significant—embedded in the very foundation of
use of them. student growth.

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