Learning how to be a leader

Sometimes you have a problem and don’t know how to face it on your own. Other times, you may have a great idea but can’t figure out how to put it into action. Often, you want to make an improvement to something, except there is no way to fix it by yourself.
For the past two years, I have been fortunate enough to solve many problems by participating in the Lawrence Woodmere Academy Student Senate.
Like other schools, the senate officers are elected by their peers and are expected to share what is discussed at meetings with their classmates. But unlike most schools, the LWA Student Senate works closely with the administration as well as students. This is where a small community has its advantages.
A crucial part of the senate is its ability to maintain traditions — new and old. Last year, members of the Senate organized the first school dance. Students in the Upper School dressed to impress, danced and bonded with friends. Overall, the dance was a hit and much effort is being put into planning another.
Also students and teachers both love dress down days. The Student Senate implements those days by requiring everyone to pay a small fee in support of a charity and all proceeds are donated to a specific charity. This past month, we held a dress down day raising more than $200 that benefitted the Food Bank for New York City.

Although the Student Senate provides the school with essential means to prosper, we are not perfect. When it came time to decide on themes for LWA’s annual Spirit Week, the representatives were enthusiastic. After considerable discussion, we decided on five different dress days, which we thought everyone would enjoy.
As Alexandria, the school president, revealed each theme at Headmaster’s Homeroom, there was quarrel amongst the students. The Senate soon realized that Spirit Week needed to be revised, so we considered everyone’s suggestions and implemented them.
Being a part of the Student Senate fills me with feelings of accomplishment and joy by providing a voice for members of the LWA community. As an officer, I became friends with people I otherwise may not have, can now solve problems more effectively and have a better understanding of what it takes to be a leader.