“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference”​ Sir Winston Churchill

At Education Incorporated, the role of an ambassador is a prestigious and influential position awarded to students who embody the school’s core values of respect, tolerance, selflessness, and the recognition of others while maintaining their best selves. These ambassadors are not only representatives of the school but also role models who inspire their peers through their actions, attitudes, and dedication to the school’s ethos.

Luca Di Nicola, one of our esteemed ambassadors, shares his candid experience of what it truly means to hold this title. Luca offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges, growth, and rewards of being an Education Incorporated ambassador with a blend of honesty and insight.

An Ambassador’s Journey

by Luca Di Nicola

Being a school ambassador is a big deal, if I do say so myself. You get to represent the school, be a leader and role model, and basically be a celebrity among the student body. But what’s it really like behind the scenes? Let me pull back the curtain a bit…

While being an ambassador definitely has its perks, the role isn’t all glitz and glamour. It requires a lot of soul-searching, self-reflection, and personal growth.

When I was first selected, I had to look inward and ask, “Am I living up to the school’s core values like respect, tolerance, and selflessness?” That dose of humility hit hard. I realised that sometimes I was going through the motions instead of genuinely embodying those values in my daily actions and attitudes.

That period of questioning and deep self-reflection was extremely uncomfortable at times. I had to confront some harsh truths about my behaviour and areas where I was falling short. But by pushing through that complex process, I gained a much deeper understanding and appreciation of who I am at my core and who I want to become. That vivid self-awareness has been invaluable in helping me be a better ambassador and authentic example for my peers.

The Importance of Authenticity 

One of my most important lessons is that you cannot fake it as an ambassador. You have to show up as your authentic self every single day. If you try to put on an act or be someone you’re not, people will see right through it instantly. 

I advise any students wanting this role to Get extremely comfortable with who they are – quirks, flaws, and all. But also be open to constructive feedback and criticism that can help facilitate your growth. It’s a delicate balance of self-acceptance and continual self-improvement. It’s not the easiest path, but it’s so rewarding in the end.

An Ambassador’s Lasting Impact

When it finally clicked that I was looked up to as a role model and had real influence, that was exciting and terrifying. Every interaction, every example I set, could potentially significantly impact someone. No pressure or anything!

That realisation – the desire to have a positive, lasting impact and be someone others can turn to – is what drives and motivates me every day. It pushes me to uphold the school’s values, like respect and selflessness, to the absolute highest level, not just for myself but for my peers who are watching and looking up to me. 

I try my best to be that reassuring rainbow for someone having a cloudy day, as Maya Angelou beautifully put it. Small acts of kindness and care can make a huge difference, whether it’s an understanding listening ear, making someone laugh with an awful dad joke, or offering trustworthy advice and perspectives.

The Challenges and Rewards 

Of course, the ambassador role hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows. I’ve faced many challenging times where I’ve questioned whether I’m genuinely cutting it and positively influencing those around me.

Like when, a few friends stopped talking to me because they thought I was getting a “big head” about the ambassador role. That crushing feedback forced me to do some serious self-reflection about how I was prioritising the role over my personal relationships—an invaluable wake-up call.

The Future Ambassadorship 

Even after high school, I’ll continue embodying and applying the lessons and values I’ve learned as an ambassador in all areas of life. My main goals are to make our amazing school more well-known (it’s too great a place to be flying under the radar!) and to be a trustworthy source of advice, wisdom, and guidance for those who need it.

While this ambassador role has pushed me to grow in ways I never expected continually, those challenges have been valuable learning experiences. If you aspire to take this on yourself, ensure you’re being authentic and vulnerable and staying true to your core principles and moral compass. Have the courage to grow and become who you really are.

After all, as Winston Churchill brilliantly stated, having the right attitude and perspective is a little thing that makes a huge difference. Because at the end of the day, this ride is the real reward – continually rediscovering my potential while uplifting others in the process. Sure, being an ambassador has its perks, but the self-actualisation journey is the juiciest perk of all.