Student Council members are typically known to be “nerdy” or “overly ambitious”, but what’s so wrong about being a “nerd” or ambitious? Here at Pahrump Valley High School, we have an incredible Student Council, which makes the school feel like a safe environment rather than just an ordinary school. These students put their blood, sweat, and tears into the school, whether it’s a mural for school dances, to small changes based on student opinions. With that being said, people may ask, “Well who would put so much time and effort into school”?
Effort and Dedication
Student council members put so much effort into what they do, hoping for a positive outcome when really, they recognize other students failing to notice their dedication and achievements. Student Body President of the senior class of 25’, Angelina Valdez, said, “There’s just a lot of responsibility.”. Furthermore, James Dela Rosa, student body secretary of the senior class, spoke about being unseen, saying, “Overall, I think StuCo is a positive atmosphere, especially the decorations or murals that we have around the school. Past that, I don’t know the percentage of those who do like them.” These students acknowledge how important responsibility ties into being a member of the council even when they are being just overlooked as they keep pushing forward with their efforts. The advisor for StuCo, Robin Williams, or Mr. Williams, spoke more in-depth about the topic of student council members being overlooked; “I guess to me the most frustrating part is to see how hard all the kids put into their work and watch and listen to people pick it apart because they don’t understand how much hard work they put in.” Williams’ voice expresses how hard these students work just to be nitpicked by others who don’t understand half of what they do for the school and its environment.
Being Overlooked
With dedication to the school, comes being overlooked. Students of the council know and feel what it’s like to put work into something like a project for a school dance to make the school a place where students feel motivated to attend their classes, get picked apart, and be criticized. Williams spoke about the topic saying, “Most of the feedback we get on decorations and stuff is either bland like, ‘“Oh! It’s amazing,”’ or they’re very nitpicking. It’s a lot easier nowadays to pick something apart, rather than to provide constructive feedback.” Students and the advisor notice the feeling of being unseen, which may also leave the impression of, “Then why do they put time into the school just to not be”noticed “?
A Positive Atmosphere
Although there is much responsibility, accountability, and effort into being a member of PVHS’ Student Council, these students and the advisor call each other family. Working together and throwing out ideas as the year progresses builds a strong bond between them and it shows. Valdez stated her opinion about how what she loves about student council is, “Kinda like getting a home away from home”. It feels like a home for her, which shows the bond of the students and the sense of community and comfort these high school students have with one another. Williams agreed with the council feeling like a family as he said, “It has an extremely strong family vibe and just watching these people grow. These are my peeps”. With all being said, they all come together even when they are being overlooked; they grow stronger, striving to make a difference. If you see members of the council, make sure to show your gratitude for their work, it’ll make their day. If you are interested in joining student council or have any questions, speak to Mr. Williams in room 217.
