Grade 12 student Lola’s journey began 14 years ago, waiting at the Front Circle to pick up her older sisters, Maggi (Class of 2021) and Ruby (Class of 2023), impatient for her chance to do everything they could do. Now, as she prepares to graduate, the longtime Branksome student and Junior School Prefect reflects on how the school has provided the foundation for turning her personal challenges into her greatest strengths.

Lola remembers her Junior School years as formative. It was a time of significant growth, particularly when she was diagnosed with a learning disability in reading and writing. She credits the support of her teachers, especially Ms. Iwata in Grade 4, with helping her to see how these challenges could become her strengths as long as she was willing to work on them.

Ms. B (Buchanan) in the Junior School also introduced her to Branksome’s value of giving back. Lola learned that service is a privilege, a philosophy she has carried into the Senior & Middle School, joining community engagement opportunities and serving as head of the Jewish Students' Association, helping to host COSSOT Shabbat dinners and preparing food for those in need.

The transition to Middle School was not without obstacles, including the shift to online learning during the pandemic, which forced her to complete her Primary Years Programme (PYP) Exhibition virtually. Despite the difficulties in maintaining cross-grade and cross-school connections during the cohort model in Grades 7 and 8, Lola pushed herself to continue to be an active member of the community once she started Grade 9.

Her passion for intellectual challenge flourished in the Senior School, amplified by mentors like Ms. Dalglish and Mr. Labriola. She chose to pursue History as a Diploma Programme (DP) course—one known for its heavy reading load. She also found herself enjoying Theory of Knowledge (TOK), which nurtured her love for open conversation, expressing her opinion and encouraged her to have an open mind and the ability to change her views. 

For Lola, accepting the role of Junior School Prefect in her final year was a natural choice. She always looked up to “the girls in red” after seeing both of her sisters become Prefects. It’s also a commitment to the part of the school that launched her journey. "It was my favourite place and foundation," she says. "I wanted to give back to the community and stay part of it."

Her Prefect portfolio is comprehensive, with weekly duties such as attending Assemblies, taking part in Prefect meetings, and coordinating projects like Big Sister, Little Sister and Movie Nights. She also helped to launch Fun Fridays this year, helping integrate Prefects into younger grades to bring Branksome spirit to the entire school. 

Lola’s advice for new Junior School students is simple: "Cherish these years. Jump right in and take risks, be as engaged as possible and have fun!” She firmly believes it’s in the Junior School where students find their love for learning, making the school environment a better place and helping them as learners throughout their lives. 

Looking toward her future post-secondary pursuits, Lola believes in the Branksome ethos of leadership beyond titles. "Not having a leadership position doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take action, take initiative and make a difference," she asserts. "You can still lead with a growth mindset and empathy."

“Lola exemplifies what it means to be a role model for our younger students in her role as Junior School Prefect,” says Ms. MacLean, Head, Junior School, and Lola’s faculty supervisor. “She brings boundless enthusiasm and creativity, introducing new ideas that enrich our Junior School community. By sharing her own story of grit and growth, Lola shows others what’s possible when you lead with determination and heart.”