Sophomore Class Historian

Rylie Seydel

Candidate Video

Question and Answer

Question #1: What are two initiatives you will work on as a Class Officer next year if you are elected?

Two initiatives that I will work on as Class Officer is that I will try to help with activities and capture them in a way that includes everyone. Getting more people to be engaged and participate in these can help support a better school community and make school a more fun place to be. This also includes making sure to get photos of and include everyone who wants to be. I also would focus on listening to feedback from both staff and students, and applying it to what we're doing. This can help better sync up the different groups at Cottonwood and promote more unity and cooperation.

Question #2: What does it mean to you to be a Colt?

To me being a Colt means to be part of a community that cares for each other and lifts everyone up, we choose to celebrate individuality and diversity to make school and the relationships here ones full of empathy, compassion, respect, and trust. Cottonwood is a school where we have so many amazing people with uniquely great talents, ideas, strengths, and backgrounds. I strongly believe that here at Cottonwood everyone can find where they belong, and all of these things make me so proud to be a Colt!

Question #3: What is one way you would develop activities to make everyone at Cottonwood feel welcome and included?

One way that I would develop activities to make everyone feel welcome and included is by helping carry out activities that will help bring us together and incorporate more connection for everyone. Getting to include everyone makes things feel more welcome and through this everyone can better learn empathy, understanding, and get to meet new people you might not have otherwise. 

Question #4: What advice do you have to stay motivated with attendance and academics throughout the year?

Some advice that I have is to remember that you are never beyond starting again. Often we think that since we have never done well or put effort into something that there is no reason to start now, this simply isn't true, even the best people had to start once so why not you? Everyone is so smart and worthy in their own way and it's all a matter of finding what works for you and finding the people who will help you to succeed. I'd encourage people to take advantage of all the resources available to them and to push past being afraid of change or trying something new because the outcome can definitely surprise you. Don't let others tell you that you aren't capable of achieving your goal because wanting something and acting on it is the first step to success. 

Question #5: What are some qualities that make a great leader?

Qualities that made a good leader are authenticity, being able to have clear communication, and are resilient to setbacks. Also someone who takes accountability for their actions and is committed to their position.

Question #6: What is a leadership quality you have and how will it help you be a good Class Officer at Cottonwood?

A leadership quality that I have is that I am dependable. I'm someone you can count on to follow through with the things they say they will and their responsibilities. This will help me be a good Class Officer because I will get things done and be accountable.

Question #7: What specific qualifications do you have for your intended position?

Some qualifications that I have for Historian are that I have taken photography courses and have learned how to use both photo and video editing softwares. I have a passion for continuing with this and to learn all that I can to become a better photographer. I'm someone who likes to put as much time and effort into things as possible to get the best outcome which is shown through my academic and extracurricular achievements and I care about putting that attitude towards being next year's class Historian.

Task

Over the past few years I've learned how much I enjoy photography and have continued to develop my skills. I love to take photos that show the whole story of an event and try to capture that in as many angles and perspectives as possible. I enjoy taking close ups of groups and individuals as well as action photography like during sports or performances. Also for fun I really enjoy taking photos of wildlife, specifically birds, and nature sceneries so I love taking photos at Cottonwood because of the beautiful mountains in the background. I think photos are such a cool way to remember an event and I'm passionate about taking ones that include as many memories as possible. 

The task for Historian was to take five photos that highlight Cottonwood and Colt Pride. Below are photos I've taken of my friends and a few of the amazing student performers at Culture Night. These photos are just the most basic examples of what I will do as Historian, capturing these moments has been fun and I've loved getting to see different aspects of Cottonwood and look forward to hopefully continuing that as Historian.