The Student News Site of The Webb Schools

Webb Canyon Chronicle

The Student News Site of The Webb Schools

Webb Canyon Chronicle

The Student News Site of The Webb Schools

Webb Canyon Chronicle

Saira Bhagat (’25)

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Saira Bhagat (’25) is a rising senior day student applying for Student Government Exec.

1. What are THREE (3) goals you would devote your time to pursuing as an Executive Officer (Exec) of Stu Gov?

a. Create new traditions and ensure students are comfortable with Webb’s transition from a twoschool model to a one-school model

b. Encourage stronger school unity through sporting events, the student government social media, and fun events

c. Continue to increase transparency between the student body, administration, and faculty

 

2. Find and transcribe a quote that you believe best exemplifies your approach to leadership. Be sure to cite the person who is credited for the quotation. (Ex. “It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership.” —Nelson Mandela)

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” — Walt Disney

 

3. List THREE (3) skills or qualities you possess that you would utilize in your work as an Exec.

a. Accountability

b. Enthusiasm

c. Creativity

 

4. The 2024-25 school year will mark the first year of the unified Webb Schools of California. In 1-2 paragraphs, describe your vision for the 2024-25 school year, specifically addressing any challenges we may face during this transitional year, and how you, as an Exec, would address these challenges? (Please note: Addressing the challenges does not mean that you are expected to resolve them.)

My vision for the 2024-25 school year is to firstly ensure all students are comfortable with Webb’s transition to a one-school model by talking to the community and dedicating time to creating new traditions that reflect Webb’s new goals. I would strive to make this an environment that fosters growth and success for all students by making them feel welcome. One way I envision I can make this a reality is by creating new traditions and encouraging school spirit in the student body because I have noticed that people bond over friendly competitions and a sense of pride for being a Webbie. Two challenges I predict student government will face is people being hesitant to change or modify Webb traditions and some students feeling uncomfortable at the start because of the big transition. I plan to address these challenges by talking to the student body and truly listening to the feedback I receive. As we have seen with Webb Idol, students understand the concerns administration brings up, but do not feel like their opinions are being considered in the overall decision, which leads to a lack of enthusiasm to participate. I hope to change that by encouraging conversations about Webb traditions in all school assemblies and incorporating student feedback.

Additionally, I believe that in order to best address the needs of the student body and the Webb community as a whole, my vision for next year cannot be rigid and uncompromising. As the school shifts to a one-school model, my vision will need to change to fit the new challenges that arise. The only thing I can say for certain is that the next school year will be focused on listening to and supporting every Webbie as we all adjust to the one-school model together.

 

5. Which of the Four Pillars of Stu Gov resonates most with you, your values, your interests, and your goals – Service, Advocacy, Joyful Engagement, or Collaboration? In one paragraph, please explain your connection with this pillar.

While all Four Pillars are essential to a successful and effective Student Government, the pillar I resonate with the most is Joyful Engagement. Joyful Engagement is not only about creating a fun and inclusive environment; it is about fostering a sense of pride, passion, and excitement that inspires Webbies to actively participate in campus events. For any engagement to be long-term, consistent, and inspire the student body to bring about change and growth, it is important that the community is engaged and having fun. People will truly enjoy being a part of the community where they feel encouraged to advocate, serve, and collaborate. Joyful Engagement also relates to my goals because part of my vision for Webb involves organizing events and activities that bring students together to embrace the one-school model.

 

6. Senator Diane Feinstein is attributed with saying, “Ninety percent of leadership is the ability to communicate something people want.” What do you believe is the greatest desire of the student body?

The greatest desires of the student body are to pursue their interests and share things they love without a fear of judgement as well as to be heard. As we change the structure of The Webb Schools, I believe it is important to create new traditions that reflect the diverse interests of the current student body. We can do this by truly listening to the student body. Webbies want the chance to try new things, be part of a welcoming community, and make lasting memories. Student government has the opportunity to make these desires a reality by keeping them in mind while planning events. Class and school unity can be created by events to contribute towards making Webb a place where students enjoy their time, feel pride in their school, and are supported to grow.

 

7. If you were given one school day, a budget of twenty thousand dollars, and complete authority to plan a program for the entire community…

a. What would be your goals for the day?

b. What would the agenda/schedule look like?

My goal would be to plan a day related to the past, present, and the future. There would be workshops dedicated to each time period and students would switch between them. At the end of the day, students would have the option to take a hot air balloon ride over Webb (if legally possible) to talk about perspective. My goals for the day are to encourage Webbies to take a step back and reflect on events in the past, how those events have impacted the present, what the future looks like, and what each person can do to shape their future. The goal of the final activity, the hot air balloon ride, is to remind students of how big the world and how many opportunities they have. Webb can often feel like its own little world, but it is important to remind students there is a whole community outside of our school that they will be a part of after graduation. The agenda would start with students spending approximately 80 minutes in each workshop and end with the hot air balloon ride or a simulation of one. The past workshop would be in the museum, the present workshop would discuss current global problems like foreign relations and climate change, and the future workshop would cover the impact of technology, such as ChatGPT and VR.

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