Meet Kirana Srithong, better known as Prim. A Grade 11 student at D-PREP, Prim is an ambitious young leader with dreams of a future in professional golf and a strong drive to inspire others. Her journey from Bangkok to California and back is one of grit, passion, and purpose. Now back in Thailand, Prim is not only focused on her golf career but also serves as co-president of the student council, where she works to bring people together and build a sense of community.
From Bangkok to California and Back
Prim began her education in what she calls a “traditional Thai school.” Moving to California for middle school, however, transformed her perspective on learning. “In the US, I saw how knowledge could be expressed in so many different ways,” she recalls. During her summers in Thailand, Prim reconnected with family and discovered a new love: golf. Encouraged by her coach to train in Thailand’s competitive scene, Prim returned to Bangkok, eventually finding D-PREP through a TikTok video that showcased its experiential approach to learning. “It felt completely for me,” she remembers.
Taking the Lead: Co-President of the Student Council
Starting at D-PREP in Grade 10, Prim soon found herself stepping up as student council co-president. “I just wanted to try leading,” she says, “but I didn’t realize how tough it would be.” With leadership came challenges, from handling feedback to facing different opinions. “People have a lot of input on what you do,” she reflects.
Building a partnership with her co-president, Victor, also took time. Initially, they barely knew each other, but shared classes and council projects brought them closer. “Victor is really intelligent and always has great ideas,” Prim shares, appreciating how their teamwork has evolved over time. Together, they took on leadership roles in the D-PREP Open World event, a student-driven initiative that showcases leadership and character. Looking forward, Prim is determined to make this year’s event even bigger. “I’m confident we’ll do even better this year.”
Learning to Lead with Heart
Defining leadership can be complex and hard to pin down. Broadly speaking, it could simply mean being someone who makes decisions. While that isn’t entirely wrong, for Prim, true leadership is built on patience and respect for different perspectives. “A good leader listens to others,” she explains, “and even if you have your own ideas, it’s important to still stay open-minded.” When others share, Prim makes it a point to listen first and look for ways to expand on their ideas. Her advice for aspiring leaders? “First, know what you want to change or improve—have a clear impact and purpose.”
Academically, Prim sets high standards for herself. “I want straight A’s, or even better, A+,” she laughs, noting that she’s putting extra effort into her Thai and AP Biology classes. In the future, Prim dreams of studying psychology or business in the United States. Inspired by her mother’s attentive listening, she’s drawn to psychology, saying, “It feels so good when someone really listens to you.” Business, on the other hand, runs in the family. Though she’s still deciding, one thing is certain: she wants her future to be purposeful.
Prim Outside of School
When she’s not golfing or studying, Prim is refreshingly open about her favorite things: eating and sleeping. “I love food, especially Korean dishes and krapao,” she shares, adding that sleep is her go-to stress relief from the pressures of golf or exams. Prim also mentions that singing with her friends in band class brings her joy, describing it as her “most relaxed” time.
Who is Prim in three words? “Confident, yet an overthinker and sometimes clumsy,” she answers. From a traditional classroom to D-PREP’s community, Prim is enjoying life as a secondary student while actively pursuing her passion and purpose. And for Prim, this is just the beginning.
