Question and Answer

Question #1: What are two initiatives you will work on as an SBO next year if you are elected?

 If I am elected as SBO, two initiatives I will work on are INCLUSIVITY and MENTAL HEALTH! I will always do my very best to make sure I include and represent as many people as possible when taking pictures. It is so important to me that we see Colts of all different kinds of demographics in pictures, posts, and recaps. Through these pictures, posts, and recaps, I want to make sure every Colt feels supported and knows that they have a village of people who care about them and believe that they belong - and that is such an important reminder to value and prioritize mental health.

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

To me, being a Colt means being a part of a community of Goal-Oriented, Respectful, Engaged, Accountable, and Tolerant students who make everyone feel included.  We have so many different kinds of students at Cottonwood, but it's important to understand that we all have a role in making each other feel welcome. To be a Colt is to try your hardest to make friends and learn different perspectives, and overall respect our school and peers.

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

 A way I would develop activities to make everyone at Cottonwood feel welcome and included is to make sure everyone gets a chance to be represented in videos, posts, and recaps, especially on @cwood_the_dump. We want to document all kinds of activities and opportunities so that Colts realize there is always a spot for them, whether it's on the cheer team or student government.  

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

 It's really hard to stay motivated with attendance and academics, but being organized will always help. I use reminders, planners, and calendars to organize my time and submit essays by the deadline. But another piece of advice is making sure your circle of friends supports you when you need it. Finding friends who encourage you, motivate you, and urge you to be a better person will always help you out. 

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

I think some qualities that make a great leader are being curious, outgoing, and supportive. I try to ask questions and understand people's perspectives on things. I think being able to ask questions that you actually learn from will teach you so much and give you a lot of insight. It's important to engage in curiosity because curiosity will always lead to opportunity. Being a good leader means you're outgoing, not afraid to approach people, ask questions, and learn new things. It also means you support other people when they try doing the same. To be someone others can rely on, talk to, and trust. 

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

I think I'm a very inquisitive person. I try to understand other people's perspectives and put myself in other people's shoes by asking questions. When I do this, I think I learn that my opinion is never the only opinion. "Sonder is the profound, noun-defined realization that every random passerby is living a life as vivid, complex, and filled with personal experiences as your own". When we realize that every single person has a life and mindset as complex as our own, we learn that there are different approaches, point-of-views and voices that deserve to be heard. As an SBO, I will listen and engage with my peers and try to understand their perspective and outlook on life. 

One-minute speech