Meet a student

10 minutes with…. 

Leah Pikoulas

1. Tell us a little about your life outside of school? Eg. Family, hobbies. Passions
   I live with my Mum, Dad and my sister Elly. We are a very close-knit family and all get along quite well. I enjoy baking, writing, reading and trying out new coffee shops. 
    
2. What do you like most about being a student at Marian College?
   Marian is filled with opportunities that enable students to fulfil their potential and acknowledge their strengths. I am very pleased to be a part of the (Student Representative Council (SRC) Leadership as well as being president for Young Vinnies. Both positions have allowed me to work together with other leaders to improve our school and community in the area of social justice.
    
3. Who inspires you:
   My Papou (grandfather), even through his hardships, he has never failed to be my personal cheerleader. He always reminds me to continue to strive towards my goals and continue doing so when life throws me challenges. My parents are very dear to me and they inspire me to encounter life with gratitude and resilience. Yet, my sister Elly insists that she should also be acknowledged 😊. I love my family with my whole heart. 
    
4. What are the biggest challenges facing teenage girls today?
   The biggest challenge would be to embrace your true authentic self and not meet societal expectations. We sadly live in a society filled with an implied criteria of how you should look and act. 
    
5. What advice would you give to students at Marian College?
   My advice would be to do things even if they scare you, and to ignore self- doubt. In order to achieve, you have to surpass feelings of fear to ignite confidence. Your thoughts have no power unless you allow them to have control, so reinvent your fear into motivation. Do it scared. Also be kind and compliment people! 
    
6. Favourite food & drink?
   Avocado, goats cheese and tomato on sourdough accompanied with an iced latte with oat milk 
    
7. Favourite holiday destination?
   Holidays are primarily spent in Lorne amongst the sea salt and waves. However, I would love to go to Greece and visit the islands where my Grandparents originated from. 
    
8. Favourite TV show & Movie?
   My all time favourite netflix show is Gilmore Girls but I also enjoy the Harry Potter series and the movie Little Women. 
    
9. What are your dreams for the future?
   I hope to go to university and major in Politics and International Studies. From there I would like to work in Government or for an international organisation such as the United Nations (UN).
    
10. Which 5 people in history would you like to invite to a dinner party?
    I would invite Sylvia Plath, Rosa Parks, Marilyn Monroe, Anne Frank and Vincent Van Gogh. I believe it would be quite an informative dinner.