On the first day of school in sixth grade, I remember telling the head of the middle school that I would like to join the student council and help make my school become a better place. I generated a speech that I thought was pretty decent, but with plain ideas such as having more socials with boy schools or having Oreos for snack. But sadly, I didn’t get elected for sixth grade student council. Before I continue with my story, something you should know about me is that I am super ambitious, and when I fail, I would want to learn from it and succeed later.

In sixth grade, I tried to find the friend group I truly belonged in and tried my best to be friendly with everyone. However, I was struggling to find my spot. I moved from China to the US in sixth grade, and so my pronunciation was incorrect sometimes. I also knew zero curse words in English and we were reading a book with curse words for our English curriculum. My classmates thought it would be funny to hear me pronounce those words. Days in Spring after lunch, my classmates would go into the library bathrooms and run away when I was using it, leaving me behind. I would also hear rumors about how I’m super clingy and how it was a problem that I always get As on my tests. I was upset at first, but I figured if I continue being amiable, pretending to not care about the gossips related to me though I care a lot, people would eventually see me as a good friend. Therefore, when my classmates ask for my help to study for a test, or ask me to teach them how to play volleyball, I comply, not because I want to please them and hope they would take me into their group, but to melt their mean actions with compassion and let them see my personality. I wished that everybody could accept and like me.

In seventh grade, I eventually fit in, being able to talk to everybody in every friend group. I think the part that made me succeed was that I no longer cared what people said about me behind my back, I know that some people would like me, and some wouldn’t. I shouldn’t be trying to impress and change the minds of those who don’t like me, but I should spend more treasured time with those who do. When electing for the student council again in seventh grade, I succeeded!🎉 I was supported by many of my classmates, and I would spend lunches eating at different tables with different friend groups, because everyone welcomed me. As the student leader for the seventh grade, I hosted capture the flag, dodgeball, three legged race, and many fun activities on the field for the seventh grade. I also host class meetings on Wednesdays, with announcements first and then fun trivia games or guessing the song/movie after. I was supported by my classmates and the games are all very successful.

At the end of the seventh grade, I ran for Middle School Co-President, who represents the middle school, lead all school meetings with the Upper School Co-Presidents, lead middle school meetings, and plan fun games along with the student council. This is a person with many responsibilities and needs to be sociable enough to get votes, and have the ability to generate ideas and make a speech confidently. I generated great ideas starting my speech with my leadership experiences in the student council and instead of plain socials such as my speech in sixth grade said, I decided to talk about upper and middle school sports/music/dance co- curricular combination for some days, sign up sheet for teacher-conference time… These ideas really captured my audience, and even are convincing to me! Eventually I won the election, and became Middle School Co-President.

I would like to thank my teachers for teaching me, my classmates for supporting me, and my friends for having my back, making school days so fun and enjoyable. I am elected to such an important role, and I will not betray any of your trust. I will try my best to make my ideas happen, and listen to everybody else’s thoughts, making my school a home for everyone.