My Student Trustee Experience

ELIZABETH WONG, GRADE 12

If someone had asked me in Grade 9 if I knew who our HWDSB student trustees were, or what they did, I would have had no idea! That is why it is so interesting to look back at the journey that brought me to the trustee table.

When I learned at a student senate meeting about the role of student trustee, I began to consider whether this would be a good fit for me. When my principal, Mr. Kunc, encouraged me to go for it, I decided to put myself forward.

I’ll never forget the thrill I felt when I was elected to represent the voice of my peers. The opportunity to be immersed in decisions that directly affect students is a privilege that I do not take lightly. In fact, one of my main goals as trustee is to ensure that student voice is clearly heard, and that students are informed about the issues that will affect their learning environments and opportunities.

One of the most memorable experiences I have had as school trustee has been my involvement with creating the board’s new tagline: Curiosity. Creativity. Possibility. It was awesome to see elementary and secondary students struggle to find the words to express what they wanted their school experience to be about. This tagline is especially meaningful for me because it is the one I fought for and really believe in. I think it is hopeful and exciting because it suggests that we can take the time in our schools to be curious, and to create our own paths in education.

Although being a student trustee takes up time and makes a Grade 12 year even busier, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. The connections I have made and the experiences I have had have been invaluable, and I am so grateful for the opportunity!