A Study In Student Leadership: The Council Is In Session

By Brooke F.

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In March 2021, NorthStar Academy hosted its second annual Career Fair, which showcased a

diverse roster of leaders from a variety of career fields and opportunities. Live session presenters covered topics ranging from film production, to architecture, and even military. The event also included a live panel from the Student Council. While “student leader” may not be a future career path, this student-led session offered a unique view into a leadership opportunity at NSA: proving how leadership can come- and start- from anywhere.

The Student Council, more commonly referred to as the StuCo, is a group of student leaders at NorthStar Academy. For the 2020-21 school year, there are fourteen students seated on the council: eight officers and six grade representatives. These elected (and appointed) student officials work to brainstorm and host various student events throughout the school year.

Some of the StuCo Officers [credit: @nsastuco on Instagram]

During their Career Fair session, also titled A Study in Student Leadership, the StuCo hosted an interrogation themed roundtable discussion to provide their perspectives on what it’s like to be a student leader at a virtual school. As both Student Council President and Navigator reporter, I was able to sit down with my fellow StuCo members and ask them the “tough questions” about student leadership.

What makes a strong student leader and what do you love most about your position?

Chana, who is currently serving as Spiritual Life Leader, says humility is crucial for any leader. “A leader’s job is to serve and continually learn from the people that they are serving.” One thing she loves about being a student leader at NSA is the community she has been a part of throughout her time here. “I love meeting people, as well as strengthening (and being strengthened) by them!”

Caleb, StuCo Vice President, echoed that statement, adding on how leadership is made up of three key components: humility, character, and drive. “It takes all three attributes together to make a good leader...but don't think that you need all three to start leading! Leadership is a stretching experience, and it will cultivate many of these same attributes in you.” As far as Caleb’s favorite part of being a student leader, “I love being a student leader because I can serve and uplift my community while also being able to grow in my own leadership skills.”

What challenges do you find hardest to overcome as a leader in a virtual space?

“One of the hardest things (yes, I’m tackling a big one!) is the stigma associated with the leadership role,” says Chana. “In reality, I’m just a student like everyone else, seeking to serve my school! Yet there is a very big perceived gap between StuCo and non-StuCo, and sometimes it’s hard to bridge that misunderstanding.”

Kate, StuCo Secretary, admits that in a virtual environment, it’s important to expect the unexpected. “I’ve certainly never been to a virtual school before this, so I’ll admit that I didn’t go into the experience knowing much about the limitations and liberties of online student leadership,” she says. “Miscommunication is also really easy, as it’s hard to read tone over email or message and sometimes you either forget to let someone know or they forget to read/reply to something you sent them! “

Caleb says he tended to struggle with the age-old battle of procrastination versus productivity. “You have to be in charge of your own schedule,” he says, “which means that if you don't do it, it doesn't get done. Learning how I work best, as well as learning to manage my own schedule, has been a big learning curve for me.”

Finally, in your day-to-day roles, what do you consider the most rewarding part of being a student leader?

For Kate, being able to see the impact of her leadership efforts is the most rewarding. “The most satisfying feeling in the world is watching a project you worked really hard on go perfectly and smoothly,” she said. “I definitely felt that during the College Fair at the NYU session I facilitated!”

Her fellow StuCo members agreed. When asked the question, Caleb said it’s “hands down” the people that make leadership worth it. “Leadership is about service, and service is about the person sitting next to you. Being able to impact the people around me in what little way I can, and then seeing them turn around and impact more people is a really rewarding experience.”

Chana echoed Caleb’s comments, saying, “One of the most rewarding things by far is seeing a fellow student have an idea that is realized or a talent that they are able to use to serve others. I just love helping my friends reach their full potential and share their gifts with others!”

It’s been a few months since I began writing the “Study In Student Leadership” series for the Navigator. When I first started this series, I knew I wanted to feature the amazing student leaders here at NSA. If there is one thing that I’ve discovered, it’s how leadership can truly be found and can come from anywhere. While yes, the Student Council is most likely the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about student leadership, it’s not the only opportunity to get involved. No matter what grade or skill set you have, you can be a leader -- not just at NorthStar Academy, but within your local community. All you need is a little spark!

Author’s note: If you’re interested in listening to the full presentation of the StuCo panel, make sure to check out the Council Connection channel in Teams!

Columns: 👤NSA People

Brooke F. is going into her third year with NorthStar Academy. She is currently serving as Student Council President for the 20-21 school year. In her free time, Brooke enjoys reading, writing, singing, and listening to the latest Broadway soundtracks. In the future, Brooke hopes to be able to use her skills to give a voice to those in need.