Did you know that schools in Europe use the term Head Boy or Head Girl to refer to their school representatives? Well, it turns out that educational institutions in Indonesia also provide a similar position, namely the Chair of the Student Organization (OSIS). Each institution carries a different way of electing the Student Council Chair. However, all OSIS Chairs carry out the same function, namely as role models for students, school representatives, and activity coordinators for all students under the institution. Interested in becoming the student council president at your school? Carrying out the responsibility as the Student Council President is not easy, but at least the door of opportunity to develop yourself will be wide open for you afterwards.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Presenting Yourself
Step 1. Get support from the teacher
Some schools will only consider students who are officially submitted by teachers or other designated institutions. If that's the case at your school, chances are your teacher will have to first fill out an application form or write a letter of recommendation for students who have the following qualities:
- Oriented to detail
- Have high concern
- Be polite
- Reliable
- Tough leader
- Effective communicator
- Good at public speaking
- Active in social and academic circles
Step 2. Present yourself
Some schools also allow students to apply. Want your application to be considered? Most likely, you will still need a letter of recommendation from your teacher. Make sure you ask for the letter politely and provide details on the deadline for submitting the letter of recommendation.
Send a thank you note to your teacher
Step 3. Write a cover letter
In order to receive a letter of recommendation from a teacher, you will most likely be asked to write a formal application letter. Generally, the school will provide detailed instructions regarding the format of the letter you need to write; chances are, they will also inform you of important things that you need to include in the application letter. For example, you may be asked to explain why you were selected and how you plan to improve the quality of your school.
Don't forget to include the extracurricular activities you participate in, your commitment to improving the quality of the school, your leadership qualities, and your ability to complete several responsibilities at once
Part 2 of 3: Representing Yourself as the Ideal Candidate Figure
Step 1. Receive the pass announcement
After the selection committee has reviewed all the applications, they will usually narrow down the names of the candidates. If you are selected to take part in the next stage, your name will definitely be listed on the announcement sheet for qualification. After that, the committee will usually contact you directly and provide detailed information about the things you need to prepare.
Step 2. Present your vision and mission in front of the selection committee or active student council members
Remember, the Student Council President has the responsibility to speak publicly on many occasions. As one of the shortlisted candidates, you will most likely be asked to show your communication skills in front of many people. Do not worry; Generally, the selection committee will give the theme of the speech or presentation along with its duration in advance.
- After writing your speech, practice speaking in front of a mirror, family members, or friends.
- Most of the candidates prefer to complete their presentation with PowerPoint.
Step 3. Conduct interviews with the selection committee or active student council members
After going through the presentation stage, you usually have to go through an interview process with the selection committee or active student council members. Be prepared to:
- Elaborating the content of your speech or presentation
- Convey your strengths and abilities as one of the selected candidates
- Set an example of your commitment, leadership skills and work ethic
- If any of your friends have been interviewed in the previous year, try asking them for information regarding the interview process.
Part 3 of 3: Becoming the Chosen Candidate
Step 1. Wait until the committee selects you
After interviewing all candidates, usually the selection committee will negotiate. Most likely, the final decision will depend on the outcome of the discussion. If the selection committee has full rights to choose the Student Council Chair, it means that they will announce the name of the selected candidate after going through a series of discussion processes.
Step 2. Wait for the entire school (including students) to vote for you
Some schools put the final decision in the hands of all members of the school; in other words, a general election process will be held that will allow all schools to vote. After the votes are obtained, the names of the selected candidates will be announced.
The election process also follows the general election concept applied by schools in the UK
Step 3. Prepare to serve the school in another way
If you fail to be elected as Student Council President, chances are that your help will still be needed in other fields. For example, you are elected to become a student council member so that you can still contribute to developing the school together with the elected student council president.
Tips
- Be yourself! Believe me, your true character will be seen if you are speaking in public. In other words, there's no point in changing into someone else just because you want to be chosen.
- During the interview and presentation process, convey everything in a straightforward, clear, and uncomplicated manner.
- Tell the reason you want the position to the teacher who recommended you. Also tell what you will do after occupying the position.
- Be calm during the interview.
- Always do your homework well.
- Show your intelligence and confidence when speaking.
- Ask for advice from the previous student council president!
- Be confident and always think; show a good image in front of others!
- Work hard to always achieve maximum grades in school.
- Respect everyone's opinion; Don't just care about your thoughts and desires.
