By Akshara Sampath
The first few weeks of school at CIS are always exciting with new classes, new faces, and fresh opportunities. The classrooms burst with colour, unbreakable friendships reunite, and everyone seems connected after the long summer break. However, there is one event that really sets the tone for the new academic year: Student Council elections. The pods start buzzing with chatter, laughter, and excitement, back and forth. You could feel the anticipation for the elections escalating day by day. Who will collect the voices of the student body? Who are the people who will represent and champion their peers for a year? Who will help shape our school culture for the year ahead? Every one of the answers to these questions was determined by just a few clicks on the student’s screens— the voting ballot.
My journey to joining the Student Council began in Grade 5 at CIS, Tanjong Katong campus. I have always enjoyed helping my classmates, collaborating on group projects and ensuring everyone’s voices were heard. This ignited my passion to be part of something bigger – a school platform where I could utilise my ideas, enthusiasm, and leadership skills to make a real impact on our school community. Therefore, when the opportunity to apply for Student Council arose, I stepped forward. I stood in front of my classmates and teacher, delivered my speech and waited eagerly for the results. That same day, the announcement came. I didn’t manage to secure a spot in the student council for my grade. I was, of course, disappointed, but not discouraged. After transferring to the bigger campus at Lakeside for Grade 6, I decided to try again and hoped my persistence would ensure me a spot, but I did not succeed that year either.
Moving into secondary school, the Student Council elections were slightly different and more competitive. There were only 2 representatives per grade, and candidates had to present a speech in front of the entire grade during an assembly at SMART. I tried again in 7th grade, but still did not see my name in the results. After 3 years of trying, it’s hard not to feel disheartened and disappointed. I didn’t walk away, but grabbed the opportunity of being a committee member in the student council. This experience not only gave me an insight into what student council entails but also the responsibilities, dedication and sincerity that come with the role. This motivated me further to keep trying, as I now completely believed that this is for me!
Now in Grade 8, something felt different. I realised I had already built strong relationships across both primary and secondary students as well as teachers. I have shown my commitment and perseverance last year; now, this year is mine! It was 1:30 pm on election day, and I was nervously waiting outside the DFT with my peers. The election format has changed again; there were 3 representatives to be elected. Instead of giving a rehearsed speech, each candidate would draw a random question from a hat and answer on the spot. When my name was called, I picked a question and gave it everything I had. After everyone had spoken, the energy in the room shifted. Students rushed to scan the QR code and cast their votes. The day ended, but the suspense was just beginning. On the bus ride home, I called my parents to tell them how everything had gone. I was proud of my performance, regardless of the outcome. As we neared home, I glanced at my phone. A message popped up from a friend: “Congratulations!” I froze. What did they mean? I thought the results weren’t out yet. I opened ManageBac and my eyes swiftly scanned the post to find my name. My name was on the list. I had done it. Tears of joy came out, and I was extremely proud of myself; my hard work, enthusiasm, resilience and determination had paid off after all these years!
Today, I am honoured to serve the CIS Student Council to represent and support my peers in Grade 8 and to help shape the CIS community we all love. I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone else who was elected. My journey to Student Council has been one of persistence, resilience and growth. When I look back, I realise that every setback taught me patience, empathy and the importance of never giving up on what matters to you most. CIS provides countless opportunities like these where students can take on new challenges and discover themselves! As I step into the role, I look forward to turning ideas into action while ensuring the voices of all students are represented!