Moving on From Tradition by Sydney

Moving on From Tradition by Sydney - November 2019 Scholarship Essay

With years of experience in Student Council and hours of leadership training, I have been given opportunities most are not offered. Through my rank in the club and therefore the school, I can make my voice heard at any given time. Many do not have those chances, so I open the door for them and push them to stand for what they believe will make the world a better place. I have been lucky with my experiences and use everything I have learned to teach others to do the same.
As a committee chair for Prom, I planned the event and gave my input at all times. In my eyes, the tradition was the roadblock to future success. To run for Prom King and Queen, both candidates had to be dating, in the same grade, and go to Medina. In my eyes, those requirements were exclusive and unfair to all of the other students worthy of King or Queen. Relationship status or sexual preference should not be the reason a student is eligible. Discussing with my classmates and advisor, they understood my point of view, so we decided to create a new tradition.
To start, I talked with the Principal to receive his permission; with the proper presentation, he was in full support of the idea. Once everyone involved up the process, the next step was to educate the study body. Announcements were made, along with posters hung, and the feedback was overwhelming. Feeling more motivated from the feedback, I knew I was on the track to making a positive change.
Starting a new method and making a change in the system, required a new application process. Having the previous year's application, we decided to start over completely was the most beneficial route. Once the new application packet was finished, I reviewed it and was proud to see written at the top, “Candidates run individually.” At that moment, I felt accomplished and excited to see reactions from people who thought they would never have the opportunity to apply.
I have the power to make my voice heard, make changes in any system, and give a voice to someone who does not have the confidence to do so themselves. I was honored to make a change to give an opportunity to the rest of my classmates that they usually would not consider. Which leads me to feel complete gratitude for each experience I have encountered along with the skills and knowledge associated with them. My confidence to tackle each future endeavor would be non-existent without the preparation from Student Council.