Hi, I'm Jayde Wiggan, a year 8 student at Taupo Intermediate in Taupo, New Zealand. I'm focused on leadership, my schooling, and continuing to learn more about who I am as a person.

Over the past few years, I've challenged myself both academically and personally. I've placed first equal academic, been selected as a student leader, received multiple awards, written my own book, and started my own club at school “The Beautification Team”. I've also won the school speech competition two years in a row. I've taken on many roles at school, such as Tech leader, Librarian, and Beautification Leader. Also, I am the voice for the school phone and answering machine. I’m someone who steps up when opportunities arise, especially if it’s something that can benefit others. At the end of May, I and a few of my peers had the opportunity to meet the mayor, an experience I found both inspiring and rewarding.

I care deeply about growth, confidence, and standing up for what I believe in. Something I have been struggling with, has been feeling like I need to carry the weight of others, and like I have to be fine all the time. I've been supported by my peers, teachers, and family throughout this time. A teacher and friend (Charné) has been a big part of that support, helping me through challenges and reminding me that I don’t have to do everything on my own. No amount of words can say how much I appreciate what she has done. Also, I appreciate my best friend for just listening, loving me for who I am, and staying by my side no matter what.

Through these experiences, I'm learning to trust myself and others more, reflect on what matters, and grow from both setbacks and achievements. One of my main goals is to learn that I don’t have to carry everything on my own, and that it is ok to lean on others. I hope to be recognised as someone who speaks up, holds people accountable, and stays true to my values.

Alongside academics and leadership, I play netball and genuinely enjoy being part of a team. Netball has helped me build discipline, resilience, and confidence, and I value the connection and teamwork that comes from playing alongside others.

At this stage of my life, I'm still discovering who I am and what truly matters to me. Every step I take in school, leadership, or netball is part of a bigger journey toward becoming someone who is self-aware, confident, and guided by strong values. Before I go, I want to share a quote that means a lot to me, “Being vulnerable isn’t the opposite of being strong, it’s one of the bravest forms of strength”.