I’m Lauren and I’m in grade 7. Many of you might think that it takes a lot of courage to be up here talking in front of the whole high school. I have to admit, it is slightly nerve-racking, but I feel I have the courage to talk up here because I am at LCC, a school that makes sure each student has a voice.
Looking back, I can honestly say that it took me a while to find my voice. Throughout Junior School, we were given the chance to develop our abilities to speak in front of our peers. As the oldest last year in Junior School, I was confident and comfortable public speaking after having many opportunities to practice.
This all changed when I initially joined Middle School at the beginning of the year. New people, a new routine and new teachers. I was very shy and didn’t speak up. This all changed when I started attending weekly student council meetings in November. Being part of student council is a way for each grade to express concerns or make suggestions through four grade representatives.
At my first meeting, I was very nervous knowing that I, along with my three peers, were the youngest. I wasn’t sure when or what I should say. As the meeting started, I instantly saw that the students in higher grades weren’t reluctant to talk and voice their concerns, but as one of the youngest, I didn’t feel the same comfort. I worried that my views wouldn’t be taken as seriously by the older students, as they were already known at student council.
As the meeting went along, I started to realize that they were voicing a concern that I agreed with, and I found my voice to speak and agree with the others. I found I was able to speak on behalf of my grade, and that I was not embarrassed to share my opinion. As more and more meetings went by, I enjoyed our conversations a lot and found it easier and easier to express issues pertaining to grade 7.
I have now learned that my voice is just as important and valued as the other students’ voices. We, as students, are fortunate to be at a school where amazing faculty make sure that we are given the opportunity to share our voice. It just takes a little time and effort but it’s there.
A reminder to everyone that student council representatives from each grade meet weekly to discuss student concerns. If you have a concern or issue you would like addressed, please contact your grade representatives, and they will be happy to represent you.
– Lauren Dorsey ’22