Looking back upon my first semester of high school, it’s interesting to consider how I’ve changed. How I’ve learned to adapt. How I’ve grown, and the newfound responsibilities I have acquired. But my transition into the high school has been a little unusual, as I am the secretary of Parker’s student government, a role that in the past has rarely been given to a freshman.

Late last spring, the eighth graders were sent an application to apply for appointed Student Government positions, such as representative positions, as well as appointed cabinet positions such as Director of Cross-Grade Communication (DOCC) or secretary. I decided to apply mainly because ever since I came to Parker in the sixth grade and heard of what student government was and some of the proposals that had been passed, I had wanted to become involved. I had always aspired to make an impact within the student body and the community as a whole.

Cabinet plays an integral role in planning plenaries, senates, and the overall practicalities of Student Government, and is often the driving force behind the introduction of proposals. In order to ensure the efficacy of Cabinet, and that everyone’s opinions are heard in the decision making process, it is crucial that each class have someone representing their views. The point of Student Government is to include the perspectives of all members of the high school, including the freshman class. One of my roles on cabinet, besides simply serving as secretary, is to serve as the representative for the freshman class, a grade that, in the past, has gone without unique representation.

Throughout the semester, I learned the importance of speaking up when an issue affecting peers arises. I also have learned how to represent a group of people, to voice opinions that belong not soley to me, but rather to the entire grade. A few months ago, freshman Carter Wagner and I recognized that incoming freshmen and students new to Parker were ineligible for elected or appointed positions.

Essentially, it’s nearly impossible for these students to hold almost any position, as the elections and appointments take place during the previous year. The following Tuesday morning, during one of the cabinet meetings, I brought up my observations and began to craft a proposal that would change the constitution to allow one position at the discretion of the president that is to be reserved for any new incoming student. A few weeks ago this proposal passed.

On top of that, there is this mentality that lower classmen are less experienced and equipped, but in order to gain experience, one must learn and take part in things. This year, there are five underclassmen on cabinet, defying this mentality that for so long was silencing nearly half of the high school. I personally have never felt that I was looked down upon because I was a lower classmen, but I have seen firsthand how this mentality creeps into the brains of a lot of very capable freshmen and sophomores, influencing their decisions and actions.

My involvement in student government has also allowed me to create connections with upperclassmen, who have been really great resources, and have provided me with plenty of tips for navigating high school life. Being surrounded by upperclassmen has been way less intimidating than I thought it would be. In actuality, they are way less scary than many make them out to be.

Looking back on the day I applied, when I thought that there was absolutely no way I would be awarded a position, I am beyond happy that I decided to take the leap of faith and become involved in something in which my voice can be a force behind change in the school–and allow for the freshman perspective to be included as well.