Wow. What a year.
Looking back on my time in Leadership 11/12, it honestly feels like a rollercoasterâfilled with lessons, challenges, laughs, stress, creativity, and (sometimes chaotic) energy. I came into the class thinking it would be mostly fun, spirit-filled events where we got to shape the school culture. And in some ways, it was. But in other ways⌠it wasnât exactly what I expected.
This year taught me a lot about what leadership actually looks like. It’s not always about being in the spotlight or getting the final say. It’s about being consistent, showing up, adapting when things donât go to plan, and doing the behind-the-scenes work that no one sees. Whether I was a point person or a team member, I had to learn how to communicate effectively, think creatively under pressure, and handle responsibilities even when things felt overwhelming.
đ Personal Growth: From September to Now
At the start of the year, I didnât fully understand how much planning and organization went into each event. Iâve grown a lot since then. Iâve become better at managing stress (still working on it!), improved my teamwork and communication skills, and started to speak up more when I have an idea or when something doesnât feel right.
One big shift for me was realizing that leadership is built on relationships and communicationânot just with students, but with teachers too. And to be completely honest, itâs hard when that communication doesnât go both ways. I sent an email suggesting a Spirit Week before Summer Break⌠and never got a response. That made me feel unheard, which is toughâespecially when youâre trying to contribute and care about making things better for the student body.
đŹ Real Talk: Event Planning + Honest Feedback
Letâs get real for a second. One thing I noticed throughout the year is that students donât always get much say in the events weâre involved inâweâre often just assigned to them. It felt like we were just filling in slots, even if the event didnât need that many people. Like for âMovie Under the Starsââthere were like four people handing out candy. We definitely didnât need that many. That couldâve been streamlined way more.
We donât need to overcomplicate every event. Sometimes simplicity is key, especially when it comes to things students actually want. Instead of assigning everyone to events each month, why not have fewer, well-planned events based on what Pinetree students would genuinely enjoy? Give people the chance to pitch good ideas and actually be heard. Quality over quantity.
đ Letâs Talk Spirit
Hereâs one of my biggest takeaways: Pinetree needs more Spirit Weeks and Spirit Daysânot fewer. We do like⌠one per year? And nothing for the final week of school? That makes no sense. Spirit Weeks donât need to be jam-packed with events every day. Most students just want the opportunity to dress up, wear PJs, or have a twin day. Itâs fun, it builds community, and it doesnât need to be that deep.
That being said, I do want to acknowledge that we had a student in our school community pass away this spring. That was heartbreaking and deeply affected a lot of us. I completely understand and support why the May Spirit Week was cancelled. Some things are bigger than school events, and that moment reminded me of the importance of compassion and community in leadership.
Still, I believe we should prioritize Spirit Weeks throughout the yearâespecially in high-energy moments like the last week of school or right before Spring Break. Give students something fun to look forward to. Let them just enjoy being part of the school vibe.
đ§ Final Thoughts
Leadership taught me that not everything is going to be perfectâor fair. But if you care about something, you keep showing up. You try. You adapt. And you advocate for better. Iâve learned how to manage a project, how to stay calm when things go sideways, and how to stay committed even when I couldnât be there for the âbig momentâ (looking at you, Movie Night đ˘).
To the teachers reading this: please hear us out. We care. We want to help make Leadership better. But that only works if our voices are actually listened toânot just nodded at and ignored. We can build something amazing here if students and teachers work together.
Thanks for the ups and downs, the lessons, and the late-night prep chaos. Iâve grownâand Iâll take these leadership skills into whatever comes next. â¨
See you next year!
â Baran Koushan