Get to Know Your Head Prefect: Amonda Li

The Elm Editor exclusive interview with 2021/22 Head Prefect, Amonda Li.

What are some lessons you have learned so far from being a student leader and the 2021/22 Head Prefect?

“I think I knew that I couldn’t take on everything once I got into this position of leadership, but only when we have come into conflict or had a lot of things happening that I really understood the value of delegating work and not taking on everything by myself. As head prefect, sometimes I feel the pressure to be there when other people aren’t. A piece of advice that I took from another head prefect is that ‘my mental health still matters!’ This is actually from Elaine, the head prefect two years ago. This was really valuable for me to understand – that it is fine and valid if I am feeling overwhelmed with work or with the role, in addition to school work and just being a GY. So the biggest things I have learned: delegating work and not being afraid to ask for help.”

What is your favourite part about being head prefect?

“My favourite part is definitely working with the prefect team. We have such a great team. I always talk about it, when Ms. Kniaz or other teachers ask, and it’s the greatest thing. First of all, everyone really does pull their weight. But also, we have such a close community and I think that goes for our whole grade, we are pretty close so that automatically transferred to the prefect team. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of student leaders to work with!”

We all know that the head prefect has a special uniform. Can you give us an inside scoop into what it is like wearing the head prefect outfit?

“It is the most fabulous outfit I have ever worn! I love it so much. It comes with this plaid attachment, I forget what it is called, but Ms. Bolte explained everything to me. And I just feel like such a cool highlander, marching around! And some of you may know that the best part is the knife that goes in the sock. The technical term for it is ‘sgian-dubh’ and it is actually used to cut haggis, you know, that Scottish dish? How funny is that!”

You have been a part of the boarding community since you started at Branksome in grade 7. What is your funniest story from boarding life?

“Every single day there are always hilarious stories because it really is just like living with all your best friends, from different grades too! I can’t really think of one specific memory right now, but, every single day is funny.”

What is your favourite meal from the AWC?

“Honestly, I have no clue, but I really like the Orange Ginger Chicken.”

What is your go-to spot when you leave campus for lunch?

“Starbucks or Aroma… or Tims if I’m on a budget!”

You have been a part of the Branksome Debate Society since grade 8. What is your favourite memory from debate?

“We have been to a lot of off-campus overnight trips and my favourite one was when Maylee, another current GY, Ms. Taman, and I went to Vancouver for Junior Nationals. We were super jetlagged, so we woke up at 5am one morning and explored the hotel area, went to a really cute cafe, got some coffee, and it was really fun.”

Throughout your time at Branksome, what has been your favourite class?

“I really enjoyed my grade 10 and 11 math classes. Both were with Ms. Louie, but in-person was so different because she always gave us candy and snacks and we always decorated the classrooms according to the current holiday. It was just so much fun.”

What are your favourite books?

“I have two. The first is The Stranger, a french book translated into English by Albert Camus. And the other one is Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell. I really recommend!”

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice for approaching Middle or High School, what would it be?

“I would say get involved as much as you can because while you can have friends that you normally hang out with, I think it is really great to be able to reach across areas of school life. You will never know who or what you will connect with, and honestly, I found most of my passions through extra-curriculars.”

What GY tradition are you most excited for?

“I’m super excited for grad skip day but also just the grad pants! They are such a bonus about being a GY.”

If you could sum up your Branksome experience in 5 words, what would they be?

“Lit, crazy, movie. that’s it.”

Is there anything else you would like the student body to know about you?

“I love Branksome and GO Campbell!!!”