For this week’s Meet the Pupil, we’re excited to introduce Ren T from Macgregor House, who began their Mill Hill journey in 2022 and is now thriving in Year 12 at Mill Hill Sixth Form.

We caught up with Ren to hear about their experiences and leadership responsibilities at Mill Hill.

Tell us about yourself…

I'm Ren, I'm originally from Ukraine, and I’ve been at Mill Hill since 2022. I’m currently in Year 12, studying English Literature, History, and Drama at A Level. I most enjoy going to the theatre and, after watching a performance, reading all the behind-the-scenes details about the production in the articles!

Have you ever taken on a leadership role in school, and what did you learn from that experience?

I’ve been an NCO in the CCF (currently a Corporal) since Year 11, teaching the Year 9 Martlet groups. I was extremely honoured to take part in and become the Youngest Director in the House Drama Festival last year, and I’m looking forward to being an Assistant Director in the upcoming Lower School play, Hope Springs!

CCF has taught me that true success as a leader comes through communication with your fellow instructors and learning from other people’s experiences, supported by discipline and a love of learning something new.

Meanwhile, my leadership roles in Drama have reassured me that the creativity radiated by everyone around you is something to be listened to, because it highlights how unique we all are.

Are you involved in any school clubs or societies? What do you enjoy most about them?

I’m a part of the school’s Big Band and Saxophone Quartet, the Corps of Drums, The 1807 (History) Magazine, and the English A Level book club, as well as the LGBTQ+ Society, and, of course, virtually every single school play! These activities offer a sense of community and priceless opportunities to form new friendships, connecting you with people who share your passions in ways that also create something for others to enjoy, whether it’s an article in the magazine, a musical performance, or a full production.

What was your favourite subject?

With the subjects I’ve chosen, it’s virtually impossible to study them without a burning passion for each one! If I had to single one out, it would probably be Drama, because my love for both literature and history stemmed from seeing productions based on real events in my younger, more vulnerable years!

Who is someone you look up to, and what do you admire about them?

I most look up to Sergei Parajanov, a Ukrainian-Armenian film director (best known for The Colour of Pomegranates and Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors). Despite being imprisoned by Soviet authorities for his queerness and defiance of artistic censorship, he never stopped creating. I have the utmost respect and admiration for his artistic mind and incredible resilience, as well as his efforts to preserve Ukrainian culture. His seemingly endless willpower to create inspires me every day.

If you could give one piece of advice to younger pupils in school, what would it be? 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether from teachers, friends, or even just by giving yourself permission to take a break and ground yourself when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

School can be intense, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Try to find something you genuinely enjoy, whether it’s a subject, a hobby, or even just a small goal to work towards. It really does help.