Interview with PK, Class 25 and Winner of the 2024 Global Citizenship Award
August 22, 2024
Interview with Sarah Horne, Communications and Community Manager
How long have you been at LANNA?
I have been at LANNA since Year 1. When I joined I didn’t speak a lot of English, I only knew a few words when they accepted me!
What are some of your favourite memories?
Well, one is a recent hike I went on for The Duke of Edinburgh International Award. We experienced so much and had a lot of fun together. It’s easy to complain when we’re on the hike, but looking back we all learned so much. And, on one of the hikes it happened to be my friends’ birthday so I brought along a cake to surprise her! The activities are great bonding experiences. And, I love camping. The school offers so much, and student’s just need to take advantage of it!
You are graduating this year! How does that feel?
It feels scary because I have to apply to colleges now, and I’ll be leaving soon. My mom says this in Thai, but it translates to “your heart has dropped”….I don’t want to leave, but at the same time I have to leave LANNA. There won’t be another year – this year is graduation! It’s a surreal feeling. But once the Innovation Building is up, I will definitely come back to visit!
What are your plans for after graduation?
I’ll likely do my Bachelor’s here in Thailand and hopefully go abroad for my Masters. I want to get my degree in Business Administration and possibly Finance. I’m the first from my family to go to an international school!
Wow, PK! When you graduate, it will be an incredible moment. You should be incredibly proud of yourself and your journey, LANNA certainly is! And more exciting news – you’re the recipient of the Earcos 2024 Global Citizenship Award. Can you tell me a little bit about what the award means to you and how it feels to be the recipient?
I feel very honoured to get it, because everyone in my Year Group is amazing. Everyone is involved in school, does community service and is good at academics. So, it’s really special because I didn’t think I would get it. But, I got it somehow! Apparently I’m good at talking – so maybe it’s because I can communicate easily with others. I have hobbies outside of school too, so I have other interests besides my academic achievements. My mom always told me that she would be proud of me no matter what marks I get in class, because she knows how hard I work. Even though I am proud of my academic work, that’s encouraged me a lot.
How have your experiences at LANNA contributed to your development as a global citizen?
I’ve always felt welcomed here and people are so nice to me, I feel like I need to return that somehow. I want to treat others as I want to be treated, and LANNA creates a space and opportunities where I can give back. I’ve always felt safe here to both make mistakes and excel – it’s allowed me to thrive.
What initiatives or projects have you been involved in at LANNA that have fostered your growth?
The Duke of Edinburgh International Award is one of them, where you also have to do community service. There are internships too. A lot of LANNA families are involved in volunteer work for certain charities, so there are lots of projects to collaborate with and help out. Connectivity is also very important. For example, whenever alumni come back to give talks I always try to participate because it’s good information and good networking. Another great platform LANNA provides is the University Fairs and college seminars. It’s really great that college representatives come to our campus so we can ask them questions directly.
How have your teachers and mentors at LANNA supported your development as a global citizen?
I have to mention Ms Anna. She has taught me so much about being a kind person and to support younger kids. She’s always made students feel welcome to go and talk to her about any issues. She’s a great mentor.
Mr John because he always supports me in my extra curricular activities…if I have an interest in something, he will take the time to sit with me and go through it all. And he’s a busy guy. My geography teacher last year, Ms Sarah, was so supportive and was my constant cheerleader when I was worried about testing. She’s amazing. Also Mr Austin – because if you’re struggling with something he will take the time to talk to you and make things relatable. I’m also grateful for my maths teachers last year, Mr Suresh and Mr Theunis, who always worked through difficult topics with me and never made me feel dumb for asking questions. Ms Lucy and Ms Nid have also been huge support systems for me!
There are so many teachers to mention – all of them actually!
What advice would you give to incoming students at LANNA who are interested in becoming more involved in global citizenship activities?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from both teachers and students. Everyone is really nice and comes together to support one another, especially when it comes to testing and academics. And, if you communicate your interests with your teachers at LANNA, they will find a way to help you take advantage of different programs! There is a lot to do – so don’t be afraid to be vocal.
Thank you, PK, for sharing your story with us. LANNA is proud of you!
