forgotten memories
Friday, August 11, 2006
rethinking.
Disclaimer: Once again, as with any such post, I must inform the reader that I sincerely do not wish to offend, insult, or accuse anyone or any institution with this post. Therefore, no names are mentioned. As with any post of this nature, my motive is merely to inform and to show the students' side of the story. If anyone feels offended or misrepresented in this post, I offer my sincerest apologies and hope that you will take it in your stride. This is not something I will do often. All quotes are in italics and are not written by me.
Dedicated to anonymous.
I think it is fitting, at this time, to rethink the roles of Student Leaders in the school society. What purpose did they originally serve? Does that purpose hold true today? What are the expectations placed on them? And how will they find the thin balance between serving and leading that all leaders must face?
Let me answer these questions with my views, the views of not just me alone, but of a great many people, namely- we. The students whom you were chosen to lead.
Firstly, it has always, always been my strongest belief that Student Leaders were chosen for a key purpose- to function as the link between the teachers, and the student body. Beyond that, their objectives, of course, would be to maintain order, to facillitate the creation of an ideal learning environment, and ultimately to represent the views and wishes of the electorate- the students who elected them into power.
Power, is, of course, a fickle gift. Too often, it is dependant on its source, and thus the wielder of this power becomes emburdened with great expectations, responsibilities, and pressure. Many will argue that this pressure, coming from both ends of the spectrum- teachers and students- is intolerably burdening.
At this stage, let me remind you of one thing: all of you have made that choice to accept your role. Your responsibility. Your pressure. If you didn't want all of it, you had a choice to reject the offer. I know of some who did, and they're doing fine.
You see, your role is far more complex than many would believe. It is a challenge, I realise, to live up to expectations and yet live true to yourself. It is a mature role for people so young. But once more I must remind you: it is your choice, your fate, and now, your burden. You must first accept it, and then learn to hold it, rather than bitterly blame everybody but yourselves for it.
I will not pretend to know everything that the teachers expect from you Student Leaders. All I know is SLs are expected to 'behave better, score better, and commitments are piled on their shoulders'
What of the students? What do we expect from you? We are not very demanding people. We don't tell you off when you don't do well- we cry with you. We don't pressure you to behave better- we sympathise. And unless necessary for schoolwork, we don't throw commitments on your shoulders. You are us and we are you. We are one. Students. More than anything else we see you as our fellow schoolmates and friends. All we ask, is that you fufill the task you were given with when you accepted the tie and badge. The task? Do for us what we cannot do ourselves. Represent us. Stand up for us. Rather than simply tell us off for breakng school rule no.121, find out why we are so resentful and rebellious. Think!! Are we so unreasonable and childish? Perhaps some of us are, but beyond that visage is a mind of reason- reasons that are yours to discover, as our leaders and representatives. When you come down to our level and understand us, we will come to understand you. As leaders, you must take the vital first step. Is it not the defining trait of the leader to dare to be different?
You may say we don't care. You may say we are selfish. But then, think about it. If that is true, then that is why you are leaders and we are not. For this, I, as a student, hold you in high regard already. I know you all face tremendous pressure from everyone- teacher and student alike. I may not understand fully, but as I mentioned, we are all students, and to some extent we know what you are going through, even if we don't show it. But if you choose to denounce us as a selfish, uncaring population that will never understand- so let it be. We will be that way. You are leaders, after all- we will follow you.
In closing, let me offer advice. As with all advice, it is yours to take or leave as you please, and it is only the opinion of one person. Take more initiative as leaders to help the students. Through this you will win our respect once we see the change in action. Look at yourselves through our eyes, and try to understand why we don't listen all the time. Search down in your student's heart, the heart we all share, and you will answer that. Lastly. Don't give up on us, and we won't give up on you. Take my advice not as criticism, but as the encouragement you claim we don't give. If I had given up, I would not bother writing this post. But I see hope, and I see potential. You are a noble lot of people, let me tell you. It is never easy to be a leader. But I have faith in you. All of you.
And that is enough to give me, and all of us, hope.
Final disclaimer: Once more I shall say this. The author has absolutely no intent of insulting, offending, or accusing anyone in this post. He has merely offered his two cent's worth, and if anyone feels misrepresented or offended in any way, I offer my deepest, sincerest apologies. As I said, I will not do this often.
Nick spoke his mind at ; 7:28 PM
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