A student’s life can be very hard, complex, and time-consuming, but adding another activity to an already packed school schedule makes it more impressively difficult. While this kind of schedule can be demanding and difficult, it also has many positives for those who take the task. This is the case for members of the Student Government Association (SGA) as well as the Student Council Association (SCA) at the school. There are positions like treasurer, secretary, and most notably, class president.
Senior Haley Baasansukh has been the SGA class president for the last four years now. However, she has always been active in student government.
“I’ve been in SGA [Student Government Association] since the fifth grade, and always loved being a leader,” Baasansukh said. “Being class president means that I was at the forefront of all events and I could ensure that everyone in the class felt seen and included.”
Although Baasansukh loves her role in student government, she has noted some difficulties in having it.
“At times, it [school and SGA] felt [like] too much to bear,” Bassansukh said. “School-wise, like homecoming and prom were daunting to plan, and I had to often make up work in my classes when I had to miss class due to a meeting.”
Not only does schedule management become an issue when handling both school and SGA, but so do the tasks of being class president.
“The most difficult part of my position is definitely trying to take everybody’s voices into account,” Baasansukh said. “My job is to include my whole class, and sometimes it’s overwhelming with what compromise is best for the class.”
Despite these challenges, Baasansukh has always loved the role of class president. She has always worked relentlessly to allow her classmates to have fun here at the school.
“My favorite part of my position is seeing my classmates and fellow officers enjoy themselves through our events,” Baasansukh said. “This year, we planned homecoming, and it made me happy to know that people had an amazing time because of our hard work.”
Baasansukh impresses. She not not only holds the role of SGA class president, but also takes responsibility through other, various activities.
“Inside of school, I am involved with science fair mentors, connect mentor[s], and national honor society,” Baasansukh said. “Outside of school, I work a part-time job, volunteer with the school board, and mentor kids on the robotics team.”
Baasansukh enjoys her active involvement in school, especially her student government role. She hopes to join the student government in college.
“I’ve been thinking about [missing my SGA position] a lot, and I hope to involve myself with SGA during college,” Baasansukh said. “It’s become a way to connect with a large group of people, and I will miss it so much.”
Baasansukh has had many fond memories at the school, both in and out of SGA. She has opened up about school struggles, her wishes for the future in college, and her time as class president. As this school year ends, and she goes off to the University of Southern California (USC), she has advice for those who have or wish to have a leadership position.
“My advice is to definitely know you are not alone and that people are there to help,” Baasansukh said. “The title of leader is given to someone because of the others’ belief that you can incite change. Instead of charging on, make sure to take time to reflect and listen to your fellow mentors. They are there to help!”
