From Sitting in the Back to Stepping Forward by Millie

From Sitting in the Back to Stepping Forward by Millie - December 2025 Scholarship Essay

If I were running for student body president, the number one way I would want to positively impact my school would be by helping more students feel like they actually belong here. School should be more than a place you show up to, take notes, and leave. It should feel like a community, and I know from experience how much that sense of connection matters.

When I first arrived at this school, I was new, didn’t know many people, and every hallway felt overwhelming. Everyone seemed to already have their groups, their routines, and their confidence. I would go through entire days barely speaking to anyone. Even though I was keeping up with my classes, I felt lonely and disconnected, and it made school feel exhausting instead of exciting.

One afternoon, I ended up going to a club meeting mostly because I didn’t want to go straight home. I remember sitting in the back, scrolling on my phone, hoping I wouldn’t be called on. Halfway through the meeting, one of the club officers came over and introduced herself. She asked my name, why I joined, and actually listened to my answer. It was such a small moment, but it meant everything to me. For the first time since transferring, I felt noticed. That club eventually became the place where I made my first friends and found the confidence to get involved in other parts of the school.

That experience changed the way I think about leadership. Being a leader is not about being the loudest voice in the room or having the most impressive title. It is about paying attention to the people sitting quietly in the back and making sure they feel welcome too. If elected student body president, I would focus on creating more opportunities for connection, especially for students who might feel invisible or unsure of where they fit in.

I would support mentorship programs for new students, promote events that are welcoming and low pressure, and encourage clubs and organizations to actively reach out to those who are hesitant to join. I would also work to make sure students feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns, knowing that someone is truly listening.

At the end of the day, I want students to look back on their time at this school and remember more than just grades and deadlines. I want them to remember feeling supported, included, and valued. If I can help make school a place where fewer students feel alone, then I believe that would be the most meaningful impact I could make as student body president.