Hello class of 2018, my name is Shivani Kaw and I am running for Class Secretary for Student Council this year! I specifically chose this position because I think it’s the one that corresponds the best with my abilities. Class Secretary might sound strictly like a note­taking job but it is actually much more. The main functions and responsibilities that a secretary carries out are contributing and recording ideas during student council meetings, making important announcements, and creating an agenda for each meeting (planning topics of discussion). While each of the four roles are extremely important, I believe I possess the qualities and skills that would make for a great leader and Secretary such as organization, communication, creativity, a great work ethic, and determination. Organization is such a vital quality for any leadership role, but especially for the role of the Secretary. This position really requires one to be organized and focused in order for the group’s ideas and information to be easily accessible. Personally, I like staying organized because if things are unorganized, it can really slow a task down for me. I really value organization and I pay attention to details because these things are easy ways which can really help a group stay on top of things. If you know me, you would probably agree with the statement that I talk a lot. I enjoy listening to people’s views and ideas as well as sharing my own. I am excellent at public speaking and I'm also a new member of the SHS Speech and Debate team. I am never afraid to think outside of the box to find the most effective solution to a problem. I believe that working with a team creates a much greater impact than does working individually. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses so if anything, working together can only be beneficial as it can make us stronger, more creative, and can help us learn. Working with a team allows a person to become a better individual overall. When I truly want something, I try my best not only to attain it, but to do anything I can do to ensure that I deserve what I am receiving and to follow through if I get it. I make realistic goals that I know I am capable of achieving. My work ethic is very strong because I always try my best no matter what so that I can try to reach my full potential. As Secretary, I will never stop trying to become better at what I’m doing, I will always share my ideas, and I will do everything within my reach to help the student council thrive. This year, we are all going through one of the biggest changes in our lives; the transition from Middle School to High School. It’s definitely more stressful. Right now, we can start to see what our futures have in stock for us. And for some of us ­­ myself included ­­ thats pretty intimidating. When it’s two o’clock in the morning, and you are typing your essay for English, you might feel alone. You might feel like no one has ever worked as hard or has experienced what you are feeling at the moment. But really, we’re all in the same boat. We all know how hard it is to work so hard for something and to be disappointed with the outcome in the end. We know what it’s like to be tired. We are all going to have bad days, bad weeks, or maybe even bad months, because we are all human. But there’s one positive pattern in all of these statements; “We.” This simple, two letter word, is so powerful because it unites people. It allows us to know that we are not alone. And at Solon High School, you will never be alone. The student council is a group of students who know what you’re going through and try to make it easier on you, which is something I would really like to be a part of as it means. In conclusion, I promise to do anything possible to help the students in our school if I am elected for Secretary. I will never stop thinking about the well­being of the students in our school. Student Council is a group which promotes innovation, teamwork, spirit, and hard work and I would be so grateful to be a part of a team with such a talented group of people! So vote for me, Shivani Kaw, for Student Council Class Secretary! I won’t let you down!