It is safe to say that I have grown from my experience as Student Council Co-President.

The Student Council motto has long remained: “Your voice, your ideas; together, our impact”. Being a part of the Student Council has not only filled me with a great sense of accomplishment in trying to honour this idea, but it has also allowed me to build upon strengths that I never knew I had. 

Public speaking plays a major role in being Co-President, encouraging me to become accustomed to large crowds, slowly building my confidence as a public speaker, and enabling me to enact positive change within my school community by voicing the opinions of my peers.

Additionally, being a Student Council member has also taught me that I am not only responsible for myself, but that I also have extended responsibilities which affect a wide range of people. It has shown me that when given a platform for change, you must appreciate this honour and use it as a chance to help others. For instance, being Co-President has given me the opportunity to raise money for charitable organisations like the Heart to Heart Foundation, allowing me to think beyond myself, to take action and truly make a difference in someone else’s life.

Assisting in the running of the Student Council has also helped me to strengthen my collaboration skills, as it requires talking with several groups of people, including the student body, other members of the Student Council, as well as our school leaders. To be able to finalise a plan that suits everyone is a challenge not easily solved, and yet it is my duty to find a solution. Thus, over the past few years, I have learned how to utilise my communication and problem-solving skills to plan and organise events.

Overall, being involved in the Student Council has shown me the importance of risk-taking. I’ve learned that no matter the outcome, either way, we grow through the process and become more resilient and confident. Furthermore, in taking more risks, we improve our chances of achieving our future goals.

By Alex, Year 11, YCIS Pudong Secondary