For 2021/22 College Vice Captain Cristina Yazbeck, leadership is defined by the qualities of empathy and respect.
“Being a leader is standing with the crowd, not in front of the crowd,” she shares. “To me, an Ursuline leader is characterised by her generosity, spirit and motivation to make a difference.”
Effective leadership starts with service to others
Of particular importance to Cristina in her role as a leader is upholding the Ursuline values passed down from our patron, founder and the early Ursulines, especially the one we now proudly proclaim as our College motto – Serviam: I will serve.
“Throughout my journey at St Ursula’s, I have grown to understand and appreciate the nature of service, and how intrinsically it is linked to all aspects of our lives,” Cristina says. “The Serviam spirit gives profound meaning to my words, actions and relationships.”
“As College Vice Captain, the Ursuline value of ‘Serve’ will continue to be at the heart of all my words and actions. I am committed to serving not only my Year Group but the wider College community, through unity, action and empowerment.”
Cristina believes that a leader should be focused on acting on the needs of their community. As Vice Captain of St Ursula’s College, Cristina says that she is humbled to represent the College community, which she describes as a vibrant and welcoming family.
“Each student, teacher, staff member, family and alumna contribute their own gifts to create our wider Ursuline community – and to me, that is what makes St Ursula’s so special,” Cristina notes. “Being a member of this community is like being a part of a family – everyone is there to support you, guide you and nurture your passions, talents and abilities. I know that I will always be a Serviam girl, even after I graduate!”
As a member of the Senior Student Leadership Team, Cristina has pledged to act as a voice for students and foster ideas that are reflective of the needs and desires of the College community.
“I look forward to working closely with the Senior Student Leadership Team and College Leadership Team to create initiatives that promote unity and engage our community.”
Actively contributing to College life
Having an engaged and united College community who come together to progress initiatives that benefit the wider world is integral to what we value at St Ursula’s. It’s this commitment to social justice that is another value Cristina believes should be a driving force for an effective leader and is something she herself is very passionate about. She has pledged to promote social justice in her role as College Vice Captain.
“Our Ursuline values allow us to demonstrate empathy, community and compassion in our day-to-day interactions, both within and outside the College,” says Cristina. “I aim to engage the College community in more local outreach initiatives, and overall, encourage students to participate in all aspects of College life.”
Cristina is certainly one who leads by example. Over her years at St Ursula’s, she has shown her passion for social justice, and for Serviam, in many ways. From participating in One Meal Kingsgrove services and social justice initiatives with the Mirrabooka Committee to working with Junior students in the ASPIRE homework program. Cristina considers herself fortunate to be able to actively contribute to College life in a positive way and make an impact in the wider community.
It’s this College Serviam spirit that St Ursula’s hopes to ignite in all students, alongside a passion for education and the drive to reach their full potential. Cristina believes that the College has equipped her to be a young woman with the gifts and values that will enable her to make a positive change in the world – starting with her new role as College Vice Captain.
“No matter the day, teacher, or subject, St Ursula’s provides me with an environment that nurtures and extends my abilities and supports my learning and social needs. All students grow into strong, resilient young women, who demonstrate wisdom, independence and courage,” she shares.
We can’t wait to see what ideas and initiatives this driven, empowered young woman helps introduce to the College over the coming months.
