Head of Zubir Said House Zoe Schlossmacher

Zoe Schlossmacher DP1A

I started my leadership journey as the Vice President for the Leadership Action Committee (LAC) back in March 2017 as a very small and humble Secondary 3 student. This feels like a long time ago but is only just over a year and a half back. Through my time in that position, I felt more connected to the school and had a drive and a want to do more for the school, which resulted in me running to be the Head of House for Zubir Said House. I decided to run for this because I really wanted to contribute to the SISHK community and I wanted to help connect students, to be part of something fun and enjoyable. I wanted to really be part of this community within the school that is so unique. Every House has their own characteristics, and Zubir Said House really has this charisma and enthusiasm that is unmatched. They have so much positive energy that being able to lead such a bright group of schoolmates was something that called out to me. It is such a meaningful leadership role and I am so grateful to have this opportunity to have been given this position.

My vision for my House is simple- I see a community where friendships are developed across levels where everyone is valued and doesn’t feel pressured into participating in activities they feel uncomfortable in doing. I believe that nobody should participate in activities they aren’t comfortable in doing. There is a difference between being shy and nervous and therefore reluctant to participate versus being so uncomfortable to the point of panic and fear, and I under no circumstance want to force this fear upon someone else.  Even though I want to encourage active participation, I also want to make sure that they enjoy participating so as to form a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. I also believe that having friends across levels is underrated and lacking in my House. Therefore, I want to encourage the forming of friendships across levels whether it is S1 to S3, or S4 to DP so as to help form a more bonded House where there is a love and a care for one another that will not only form the strongest of house spirits but will also create friendships and experiences to remember and cherish.

Someone whom I try to emulate in the way I lead and who inspires me to go beyond greater heights has to be Michelle Obama. It’s not just what she has done that inspires me, but the way in which she goes about achieving them. Her never-ending grace, compassion, humility, respect, love, patience, passion, and so many other qualities are the very definition of what a leader should be like. She reminds me that being a leader is for the many and not for the few. Her empathy humbles me and her courage empowers me. That is something I hope my House members also feel under my leadership, and an idea I strive to achieve to the best of my abilities.