Schools are like small enclosed communities. The majority of its population are budding youths who are being taught, guided, and nurtured by professional educators in preparation for the real world. Students are given several opportunities in school from which they cannot learn through textbooks alone. One of those that opt students to challenge is becoming a student body president.
A Student Body President is defined to be:
- the Student Government’s “main executive officer” (Baylor University, n.d.),
- a role model and an official speaker for the university,
- a student advocate who represents the whole student body (Rochester University, n.d.),
- and serves as a leader elected by the student body to uphold certain values and attitudes, and tend to responsibilities.
The weight of these responsibilities draws a fine line between being an ordinary student and a student body president.
However, this does not deny the fact that a Student Body President is a student nonetheless. He or she will still experience the same joys and sufferings as any regular student does. He could have worries with regards to student loans and pending backlogs, or he could even be excited about an early class dismissal, or at the mere thought of what would be served during lunch.
The position does not strip him of his basic rights as a student. Most importantly, it does not mean he should lose sight of the primary reason why he is studying. But oftentimes, it does come with an extra; extra burden due to the additional tasks needed to be accomplished and extra privilege or gaining elevated importance within the academic institution.
Qualities Of A Good Student Leader
If you are interested to become your school’s next student body president, listed below are some of the specific qualifications that you must first fulfill:
#1 Have a pleasing personality
Student leaders are not required to be overly friendly or outgoing, but being approachable does give bonus points. Remember that you are chosen by the student body and you are carrying the name of your school. Your personality will greatly affect how they see and respect you as a leader. It will also help you to easily build connections with others and leave a good impression about the institution you are attending.
#2 Maintain academic and holistic excellence
You are a role model. This simply means you must show a good example to the students who look up to you. You’re not exactly asked to be a genius or a saint, but people expect more from you. Hence, you should practice good manners and the right conduct, as well as be consistent with having good marks in your classes.
#3 Be a good team player
Running a student government does not just take one or two people to function effectively. Do not be afraid to exchange ideas with your team and accept constructive criticisms. Always make sure that you have a healthy and cooperative working environment for it will reflect in the outcome of your future projects.
#4 Know when and how to make good use of your position
Although you are a significant personality in the student community, you must be aware of the scope and limitations of your power as a leader. If you’re a student leader that is too kind and laidback, people might think of you as weak. But if you’re too strict and intimidating, they might perceive you negatively. Find the right balance in your leadership and take note to never abuse your power.
#5 Do not hesitate to seek help when needed
Sometimes, the job can be very tedious and hard to manage. So, when things get out of your control, always look for the right people to help. They could be your class adviser, your subject teachers, your guidance counselor, or anyone who knows how to solve a particular issue. Again, this is not a one-man job, seek help if necessary.
How Do I Become a Student Body President?
Now that you know the qualities of a good student leader and perceived that you have those qualities, you are encouraged to take the position. However, this is not something that is instantly handed over to you just because you believe you are fit for the job. You must earn it. Here are the following steps you can do to secure the spot as a Student Body President.
Let your name be known
You can’t get people to vote for you if they don’t know who you are. People may learn their identity through joining other well-known school organizations early on or winning competitions inside or outside the campus. If you’re lucky to be born popular, then that is a plus for you.
Keep your acquaintances
The more people you know, the more trustworthy you become. This will give an impression to the student body that you are someone approachable and dependable.
Market yourself well
During the campaign season, you can put up slogans, and posters, or give flyers and handouts. You can do room-to-room campaigns or anything that will capture the attention of the voters, as long as it is within legal bounds.
Know your purpose
Take this opportunity seriously. If you know why you are running for the position, then it will be easy for you to ace your campaign speech.
Conclusion:
Overall, a Student Body President is indeed a student. Someone willing to take the initial step in creating notable changes, starting from the student community and then gradually reaching towards the society.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a student body president?
It’s advantageous for your resume and it will open a lot of doors for you in the long run. It’s disadvantageous when you don’t know how to manage your time and energy wisely. It can even cause stress and anxiety.
2) Do student leaders get paid as an incentive?
No, they are not usually paid. But they do receive other incentives such as getting scholarship grants, extracurricular points, and exposure to several bigger opportunities which mostly revolve around leadership.
