Being a bridge between students and administration was one of my biggest responsibilities,” says the former Head Girl

Yuvika’s journey at Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), Jalandhar has been one of creativity, leadership, and transformation. Passionate about art from a young age, she chose the institution for its vibrant artistic environment and academic excellence. As Head Girl, she embraced responsibilities with confidence, balancing leadership, event management, and creativity while inspiring peers through resilience, empathy, and dedication. Read edited excerpts:

As the Head Girl of Apeejay College of Fine Arts, how would you describe your overall journey and experience at the college?

My journey at Apeejay has been nothing short of transformative. I came in as a student eager to learn, and I am leaving as a more confident, empathetic, and resilient individual. Being elected Head Girl was an honour I never took lightly. Every day brought a new lesson. Sometimes from a classroom, sometimes from a challenge, and sometimes from a conversation in the corridor. The college gave me a stage, and I tried my best to use it meaningfully for my peers, for the institution, and for myself.

What were some of the biggest responsibilities and challenges you faced while serving as Head Girl and how did they help you grow personally and professionally?

One of the biggest responsibilities was being the bridge between the student body and the administration. Listening to hundreds of different voices, understanding their concerns, and presenting them constructively required a great deal of patience and diplomacy. There were moments when I had to make unpopular decisions or manage conflicts within teams. These situations were uncomfortable, but they taught me that true leadership is not about being liked, instead it is about being fair, consistent, and compassionate. Professionally, I developed skills in communication, event management, and team coordination that no classroom alone could have taught me.

Can you share a memorable moment, event, or achievement during your time at the college that will always stay close to your heart?

Without a doubt, it is our Techfest, and the journey behind it is what makes it truly unforgettable.

This event did not come together easily. It was organized, then postponed, then came a long period of uncertainty and waiting, and when the date was finally declared, it was on short notice. Most teams would have scrambled, but we started from scratch and rebuilt everything with full energy and dedication. What followed was months of relentless work, from the very first planning meetings to the final day of execution.

What made this experience even more unique was that I was carrying two of the most prestigious responsibilities in the college simultaneously. As the President of the IT Forum, I led my team through every single phase like conceptualizing the events, managing logistics, conducting school visits to invite and engage participants, handling registrations, and ensuring that every one of the 20 different events was planned and executed to the best of our ability. And as the Head Girl, the two top positions in the college both resting on my shoulders at once and I was simultaneously overseeing the SCA students and their duties on the day of the event, ensuring everything ran seamlessly from the student administration side as well.

Wearing those two hats was demanding in a way I cannot fully put into words, but it was also the greatest honour of my college life.

On the final day, we successfully hosted approximately 400 students, and seeing that scale of energy, participation, and enthusiasm made every late night, every setback, and every moment of doubt completely worth it.

That event taught me what resilience truly means. It taught me that great things are rarely built in comfortable circumstances, they are built through persistence, teamwork, and the refusal to give up even when everything feels uncertain. My team was my strength throughout, and I will forever be proud of what we achieved together.

How did participation in academic, cultural, or extracurricular activities at the college shape your confidence and leadership skills?

Every activity I participated in added a different dimension to who I am. Academic competitions sharpened my analytical thinking. Cultural events taught me the power of collaboration and presentation. Sports and extracurricular activities instilled discipline and the ability to handle pressure gracefully. Before college, I was someone who hesitated to speak in front of a crowd. Today, I can address an auditorium full of people without my voice shaking. That confidence was not gifted to me, it was built, brick by brick, through every stage I stepped onto and every responsibility I embraced.

 In what ways did the teachers and mentors at the college support and guide you throughout your journey?

Our faculty is truly the backbone of this institution. What set them apart was that they saw students as individuals, not just roll numbers. My teachers never just taught their subjects, they invested in us as people. During my most challenging moments as Head Girl, it was often a quiet word of encouragement from a mentor that kept me going. They held me to high standards while also reminding me that it was okay to make mistakes and learn from them. That balance of accountability and compassion is something I aspire to carry into every role I take on in the future.

As you graduate and move forward, what message or advice would you like to give to juniors who aspire to become student leaders in the future?

My advice is simple but sincere — lead with your heart, not your ego. A title means nothing if it is not backed by genuine service and empathy. Show up for your peers, even when it is inconvenient. Listen more than you speak. Be willing to be wrong, and be brave enough to admit it. Student leadership is a rare opportunity to practise making a real difference in a real community and do not waste it chasing applause. Also, take care of yourself. You cannot pour from an empty cup. And finally, remember that the friendships, memories, and lessons you gather here will outlast any position or achievement. Cherish every moment — it passes faster than you think.