Vir Desai: Red House Captain
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your interests?
My name is Vir, I am 16 years old and in grade 11. I hope to study in Europe (specifically in the UK) pursuing business management or marketing. I have been at Ascend since 2018 (my 5th grade) and have always hoped for a role in which I have a leadership position. A few things I enjoy doing are playing football, other sports and learning about different businesses.
What is your goal for the red house and what do you hope to achieve?
My goal is to keep the house motivated throughout all our activities and subsequently get results, regardless of whether it’s in sports or anything else. I would like for our members to indulge themselves in different activities, even if they’re not familiar with them, which could lead them to finding hobbies or just having a fun time. However, I also hope to see people with already existing interests further flourish. With this being said, my objective is to win competitions, inter-school activities and foster a great house environment.
Why did you want to be captain?
I wanted to be captain because I believe that leadership and the ability to organise are strong qualities of mine, which comes almost entirely from playing sports for almost my entire life. I felt that I had a lot to give as a house captain as competitiveness has been a part of me as a sportsman and I was vice captain last year as well. My objective to win and do well will hopefully be fulfilled. From talking and interacting with people in the house, I understand how much winning would mean to them and I want to do everything to provide people with the joy and excitement of winning and coming out victorious.
What has been the most rewarding thing so far about being captain?
As a captain, I can’t say I’ve had any rewarding experiences as of yet. However, as vice captain I can say that the happiness we all felt when winning the U19 boys inter-house football last sports day was unparalleled. With all the planning behind how we were going to take apart other very strong teams and executing them well was one of the best parts of the day. Tactically managing the younger players resulting in them winning their respective sports didn’t fall below either, and it was a great experience for me to interact and see the passion some of the younger players had within our house.
Arjun Shah: Blue House
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your interests?
My name is Arjun and I am in grade 11. I’ve been in Ascend since 2018 and this has allowed me to get to know almost everyone in the school. I plan on going to the US for college in order to study Business and Psychology. Some of my favourite things to do include – playing football, listening to music, watching movies and TV shows, and spending time with friends.
What is your goal for the blue house and what do you hope to achieve?
My goal for the Blue House is simply to win. I believe that based on our performance last year, I have a good understanding of who the people in the blue house are and what they are good at, as well as being vice captain allowed me to understand the players on a better level. While keeping the goal of winning in mind, I aim to give every student a chance to participate in something they are interested in. I also believe in the importance of fostering a friendly environment in which everyone in the blue house can be friendly and help each other out, even beyond school.
Why did you want to be captain?
I wanted to be captain because I wanted to be given the opportunity to bring about a positive change in Ascend. Since I got the opportunity to be vice-captain last year, I was confident that I could create the largest impact as a house captain by collaborating with students who I am familiar with. I believe that I have the leadership skills and determination which is necessary for guiding our house to great success. I am someone who is a logical thinker and I will truly make efforts to reason with the other students of the blue house. All these things are reasons to justify why I am capable to be captain, but the real reason why I want to be captain is because I feel secure in putting my faith in a house as strong as ours.
What has been the most rewarding thing so far about being captain?
So far, the most rewarding experience as a captain has been witnessing the sheer excitement and passion of every Blue House member. Even though there are people who are not always going to be driven by sports, I admire how the Blue House has created an environment where people have the opportunity to make posters, support other sportsmen, and show involvement in other methods. Seeing the passion in the blue house and the drive to succeed makes all the efforts spent on organizing and looking over these events, so much more worth it.
Yohaan Dalal: Yellow House Captain
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your interests?
Hi, I’m Yohaan Dalal. I’m 16 years old and currently in the 11th grade. I’ve been at this school since the 5th grade, so it’s like a second home to me. I have a strong passion for sports, especially football, which has always been a big part of my life. Looking ahead, I’m really interested in studying business, and I hope to pursue my studies in the UK. I believe that my experiences both in sports and academics will help me in achieving my goals.
What is your goal for the Yellow House and what do you hope to achieve?
I want us to win and, just as importantly, for everyone on the team to have fun while doing it. Success isn’t just measured by trophies or titles; it’s also about the memories we create and the bonds we form as a team. I hope to foster a spirit where each member feels proud to be part of Yellow House, regardless of the outcome.
Why did you want to be captain?
I wanted to become captain because I’ve always had a strong desire to help my team succeed. Being captain isn’t just about leading; it’s about supporting each teammate, recognizing their strengths, and guiding them towards our shared goals. I knew that as captain, I could contribute more significantly to the team’s success, not just through my own efforts, but by inspiring and motivating others to give their best.
Gunika Chaudhary: Green House Captain
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your interests?
I am currently in grade 11, and planning on studying economics or finance post-school. This is my third ‘official’ year at Ascend, and the journey has been an upward trajectory. Some of my very few interests include crocheting (yes, I’m a grandmother.), watching new shows with my mom, playing basketball, and talking to my friends. I am also extremely hardworking, which loosely translates to studying being one of my prominent pastimes.
What is your goal for the green house and what do you hope to achieve?
The green house was able to build a cohesive bond and environment last year, and one of my main goals is to keep this strong relationship and positive environment intact. I believe that every single individual on the team is important which is why I want to create a more inclusive atmosphere within our house. After last year’s Sports Day win, I hope to create a streak of wins and maintain my team’s confidence. Lastly, I also wish to achieve my house’s trust, so that all members, from the 6th to the 12th, feel comfortable talking to me and approaching me at any point in time.
Why did you want to be captain?
Being captain was more of a need than a want for me. I have always been a passionate leader, and I was only able to express this side of myself last year when I was vice-captain of the green house. At first, I was ridiculed as I am not the most athletic, however being captain is more about team management, being responsible, and building social relationships, in my opinion. It’s crucial for everyone to feel motivated throughout the year, and have team spirit ( which most of us only gained after the win). Lastly, I also feel I am the most suitable candidate for the role since I have personal bonds with almost everyone in the house, I know their strengths and know in what manner they need to receive support.
What has been the most rewarding thing so far about being captain?
Not as captain, but as vice-captain there were numerous rewards, that I will forever cherish. Firstly, the immediate acceptance of being a guiding figure was slightly surprising yet wholesome. It felt amazing to have people look up to me, ask me for advice, and acknowledge my position. I hope for this to continue in my role as a captain. Secondly, building personal relationships with my teammates was a large reward. It was my second year, and I wasn’t able to expand my social circle beyond my grade, however, I was able to utilize this opportunity to connect with the members of my house, and assure them the friendship lasts beyond house events. Last but not the least, winning. We were expected to be in the last position by almost everyone, but when we were given the trophy and the stage was filled by green house members, with our flag and green attires, this was all we needed to know that we were certainly not the ‘underdogs’.
