The ESF Chairman’s Awards is a celebration of the world-class performance of our graduates. The awards recognize excellence in academics and outstanding achievement in Leadership, Commitment and Contribution to Service, Embodying the Spirit and Values of the School, Sport and Creativity. 

Today’s #ESFRapidFireQuestions feature Airi Mizoguchi of King George V School, who has been awarded the Chairman’s Award for Leadership. She is now studying Medicine at the University of Buckingham.
 

"KGV Head Prefect, Airi led by example throughout her time at our school. She could diffuse any challenging situation with a calming word of advice and wisdom and is always keen to highlight the need for us all to work together for the good of the school. Airi is a wonderful role model for her peers in that she modelled excellent practice in all her dealings with staff and students. A great communicator, Airi will always seek to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard in charting a way forward to ensure we all achieve successful outcomes at KGV." said KGV Principal Mark Blackshaw.
 

You have earned "The Chairman's Award for Leadership". What makes you a good leader?

I think that a true leader isn’t about being the most confident or being the best in what they do, but being able to ask for help from their teammates in order to achieve their goal. A leader should not be selected by the one that is willing to control others but the one that is willing to respect, listen and encourage their teammates to reach their potential. Throughout my time as Head girl, I was able to truly understand the importance of sharing the responsibilities within the leadership team and to know that I can rely on and trust them. I have learned so much about my teammates' passions and hopes for the development of KGV and did my best to integrate everyone's ideas so that they know their opinions are validated and important to the team. 

Why did you choose to study medicine?

I don’t think that there is a direct answer as to why I wanted to study medicine, as I had many reasons to conclude the medical field was right for me. I grew up listening to stories about my aunt and her encounters with her patients, growing fond of the idea that I could have a job where I was able to create such strong relationships with others. I started to grow a stronger interest in Chemistry and Biology in year 10 and loved collaborating with my classmates as we discussed different theories and ideas with the teachers- which would then lead to enquiries beyond the syllabus.  I always quite enjoyed the idea of choosing a field that would require me to be constantly learning from others, but also give back to the community and share one’s ideas and opinions too. I also applied to become a student-led tutor in KGV, as I understood the struggles and stress that many students were facing during IGCSEs, and wanted to be someone they could easily talk to. Comparing how my students used to be and how they were by the end of the tutoring programme, not only did they improve academically, but they were more confident in themselves. It was so heart-warming knowing that I was able to help guide them to their full capability, and hope to become someone who can help and inspire others in the future.

How did your ESF education set you up for success?

In all honesty, I don’t think that I would be the person I am today without all my teachers at BHS and KGV. I have now realised how important it is to have a supportive community when striving for your goals. I always felt supported and reassured by my teachers, and felt like my opinions were respected and cared for. BHS and KGV have constantly driven my curiosity, and because of that, I was never scared to test and try out new things and was fortunate enough to be the captain of my school’s judo team and Head Girl.
 

What advice would you give to other ESF students who would look up to someone like you?

I would feel honoured if there were any students that would look up to me or remotely consider me as a “role model”. My biggest piece of advice to any student out there is to be courageous and passionate. It is important to keep pushing yourself and not be afraid of dreaming big. Make your mark in this world.