GEORGE NEWS - A girl from Mossel Bay is making history at York High School in George. In 2021 she will be serving both as head girl of the school and the school's hostel. Also, she served as Speaker of the George Junior Town Council in 2020.
Jalaser Bosman, in Grade 11, lost her father when she was a Grade 4 learner at Milkwood Primary School. Mossel Bay Advertiser reported on his untimely death after he suffered cardiac arrest while participating in the Hartenbos parkrun in 2015.
Nevertheless, Jalaser became deputy head girl of Milkwood in 2016. She went to York in 2017, staying in the hostel. Within the second week of her starting her high school career at York, she was appointed a member of the representative council of learners (RCL) and has been her grade representative on the RCL since.
When asked about her new position, Jalaser says since this is a first for York, she will have to be exemplary. But from the maturity and conviction with which she speaks, it is clear doing things well comes naturally.
A proud moment for Jalaser's mom Crystal Bosman as she pins leadership badges to Jalaser's blazer last week.
No half measures
“Most people will say that a great leader shows the way, but I think great leadership is about making sure the team behind you is motivated. A great leader must provide direction, guidance and inspiration and exhibit passion, courage, confidence and commitment in whatever they do.”
Her leadership style she says is definitely democratic. “I like to hear everybody’s opinions. Not just mine is right. People must know their input matters.”
To her, leadership is a feel-good experience because it makes her feel part of someone’s life and that she is providing them with direction.
As to how she will cope with the demands of her leadership roles, along with completing matric and having a balanced life, she says she realised early in life that being busy stimulates her. “I like being busy all the time. In fact, being busy helps me with time management.”
As for the future, Jalaser Bosman does not do half measures. “I will give my all in whatever I do. People consider me a perfectionist.”
Jalaser Bosman attended a youth programme hosted by the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, where she was named top female speaker among 50 participants.
She says that after school, she wants to continue making an impact as a leader. “You don’t have to have a big position or a title to be a leader. I just want to continue influencing people.”
To her, a leader is strengthened thanks to a great support system. In her mother, Crystal, she says she found all the example she needed to become the leader she is today.
Crystal says as a family, they fully support Jalaser. “Her late father, Max, made sure the kids were raised with strong ethics and morals. This will see her through the hardest of times. We live by the verse, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)'"
Crystal says that when the leaders were announced at school last week, the way the learners responded and cheered when Jalaser’s name was read, deeply moved her.
“We trust and believe in God’s plan for her. Although she is our baby, it is clear that she is a born leader. She never backs down from a challenge.”
Jalaser Bosman, who hails from Mossel Bay, made history by becoming the head girl of both York High School and the school hostel.
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