At the beginning of the 2023/2024 school year, I decided to throw my hat into the ring for the position of school president. The prospect intrigued me, and I believed I could contribute some interesting ideas. My primary goal was to invigorate the institution by implementing active media campaigns and venturing into the realm of YouTube. Additionally, I aimed to create more inviting outdoor spaces for students to enjoy during the summer and organize food truck events to inject a bit more fun into the school environment.
The campaign was a whirlwind, largely because I entered the race quite late, necessitating numerous late-night shifts to create campaign materials. I went all out, printing an abundance of posters and fliers and plastering them across the school – on pillars, windows, doors, and staircases. I even took the initiative to distribute fliers near the entrance. In total, around 800 fliers found their way into lockers.
The pivotal moment arrived with the debate, which turned out to be rather underwhelming. Unfortunately, there was no lectern, and the inability to stay upright detracted from the overall impact. My lack of proper preparation, stemming from the initial struggles with the campaign, was palpable.
Regrettably, I lost the debate, and my poorly phrased question rebounded on me like a speeding truck. In the end, I found myself in the last place with fewer than 30 votes. It was undoubtedly disappointing, but the learning experience was invaluable.
This endeavor taught me that in school campaigns, debates and direct interaction with students in classrooms are paramount. It seems students don't pay much attention to anything else. The ordeal reiterated the age-old lesson that proper preparation is crucial for any adventure; lack thereof virtually guarantees failure.
While I wasn't thrilled with the outcome, the knowledge gained from this experience is undeniable. There's always a silver lining, even in defeat.
Wee wee woo woo