What's Unique About A Student Leader?

Being a student leader is a special privilege and opportunity.  It is unique in that you were probably selected or elected by your peers or those in administrative positions in your school or organization.  That means that someone has placed a high trust upon who you are and in your abilities to do the tasks that the job requires. 

Plus, the leadership laboratory that lies ahead will provide a lot of chances for you to flex and grow your leadership skills.  Student leadership is a great way to develop yourself as a leader.   There are a number of things that set this experience apart from other leadership opportunities.

• Most student leader positions are for one year.
  You have a set period of time in which you will serve in this capacity.  You must be realistic about what can and can'’t be accomplished.  It is important to understand how to get the most out of the next twelve months.


• Most student leader positions carry on the work that others have started.
  You will, more than likely, be stepping into a position that someone else has held previous to you.  There will be someone else who will take your place when it is time to step down.  What are the factors that will make this chapter of your organization's story - your chapter - significant?


• Most student leader positions work within a system that is already in place.
  When you signed on to be a student leader, you were aware of what it is you would be working toward.  There are some things that you must learn now about how your organization works and what you need to do in order to be as effective as possible.


• Most student leader positions are under the guidance of an advisor.
  This is why I like to use the phrase “student leader.”  Think of your position as a laboratory to hone your skills and develop your strengths as a leader.  Most student leader positions have an advisor that they can bounce things off of and receive valuable feedback.