Nickname(s): Zo, Zorie, Zoe, Zoey 101, Zee, Zowa, cheerleader, Zorua, Zeezo
Nationality: Dutch/Ghanaian
Favourite Catchphrase/saying: ‘What nonsense!’, ‘Did you know pumpkins are *insert nonsense that’s obviously not true*’
Favourite Class: Drama (Literature)
Favourite Form : L6
Favourite staff member: Mrs Joseph, Mrs Van der Puije & Mr Baffoe
Favourite spot: Library
Most embarrassing moment: I have so many. Probably the time this upperclassman named Zara Bobbie (or something similar) was being called on stage and my whole form thought they were just mispronouncing my name and convinced me to start walking to the stage. Thank goodness I didn’t actually get all the way up.
Four words that describe you: Passionate, Kind, Open-minded, Zany
Your GIS experience in one word: Bittersweet
Best GIS memories:
Form 2 – Reading in the library. By myself. All alone.
Form 3 – Last minute studying for the biology exam and Jesse coming up with silly movements so that we would remember that the ‘mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell’
Form 4 – Spending a bunch of time in the music room with my friends and just singing for fun, not really caring if we sounded good or not.
Form 5 – Hanging out on the bleachers by the pool and playing Uno (with Shambhavi, Abooh, Aati, Claudia, Jesse, Khushi, honourable mention: Antoinette, etc.) while we should have been studying for our IGs
Form L6 – Practicing for our Christmas Carols performance with Lee and Claudia, it felt like months when it was really only a couple weeks. Also spending every free period in the library with Aati and Claudia, either just relaxing or frantically trying to finish off work we had procrastinated on.
Where you think you will be 10 years from now: I have no idea. So, in ten years, whatever I am doing, wherever I am, my only wish is that I will be happy and doing what I love.
That One person who inspired you during your time GIS: Mrs Van der Puije – She has always been such an inspiring role model to everyone. She works extremely hard and it is apparent how much she truly cares for the people around her. She has always believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself and it has helped me so much. I’ve loved all the discussions I’ve had with her from talking about Anna Karenina, to discussing my future. From her example, I’ve learnt how the smallest interactions can have a huge impact on those around you. I strive to be as caring, kind, hard-working, and motivating as she has been for me 🙂
Best lesson GIS taught you: Change is a good thing, it’s an opportunity for growth
What you want to be remembered for at GIS: My kindness
Greatest achievement while at GIS: Playing the lead in the musical (The Merchant of Venice) was pretty great, but more importantly all of the amazing (hopefully long-lasting) friendships I have made.
Best advice while at GIS and who gave it? Not everyone is going to like you, but not everyone matters – Aatikah Khan
What you will tell your 13-year-old self knowing what you know now: Be confident, don’t look for validation from other people. You are enough.
A song that best describes your entire GIS experience: All We Know – Alessia Cara
Social media/contact information:
Instagram – @goddess_of_dawn25