Focus Group

Before joining the Year 9 Focus Group, I ran for the Y9 Student Council. That year, there was a lot of competition between different factions of the year group, as about 8-10 candidates hoped to be elected. I gave my best effort, and engaged with more people to build my networks and connections. However, another pair of students gained more votes. My first and strongest reaction to hearing the news was disappointment. I had high hopes, but learnt to keep my expectations to a minimum.

A few months later, I joined the Y9 Focus Group. Though being bested in the Student Council votes was disheartening, I realised that leadership does not come from a specific position of authority. Participating in the Focus Group made me realise that leadership is not a title, and even if one holds a position of authority, it does not make them a leader. Authority and leadership do not come as a package, and I realised that through the Focus Group, I can contribute and practice leadership without being in authority. Leadership comes in various forms, and the most effective leaders are those who bounce back from disappointment and strive to improve the team and themselves.