It was the best birthday gift for Adrija Acharya after she was badged head girl of Nehru Primary School.

She turned 13 yesterday and was among 81 young leaders badged at the school.

The Kolkata, India, girl said, leading a school in a foreign country was a special achievement.

“My parents and I came to Fiji in 2018 and at first it was very hard to cope because of the cultural shift,” she said.

“But then I started making friends and they helped me along the way.

“Fiji is my home now and I am proud of it.”

Adrija hopes to be the best leader and live up to the expectations of her teachers.

“I will push myself to the best where I can to fulfill these expectations,” Adrija said.

Adrija said she was first in her family to be badged head girl and hopes to be a role model to her family.

Adrija said her inspiration was her mother and grandmother.

“My grandmother is in India and she always tells me to see the good in everyone and to control my anger.”

Head boy, Fuiono Aso, 13, encourages students to do their best.

“I want students to achieve their goals so that their future can be enlightened,” he said.

Feedback: sheenal.charan@fijisun.com.fj