Paul Ochen, Grade 11
UWCEA (Arusha)
“The happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others.”
~ Gordon B. Hinckley
In second grade, an engraving on the outside of my principal’s door bore the aforementioned quote. As “the leaders of tomorrow,” a description that the principal loved to use when referring to his students, it was a noble school obligation to recite that quote every day when we gathered for the morning reflection assembly. Growing up with a quote so inspiring as the aforesaid - at the back of my mind - always drew me towards serving others through leadership positions. At UWC East Africa, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to achieve that long-standing aspiration when student house captains were to be elected to join the House Council Executive - Student Council as we know it at my school. Having an overwhelming backing of my peers, I contested for the position of Mawenzi House captain. After giving policy statements before a general school assembly, we held the long-sought elections. It was two hours until the announcement of the results. My heart was thumping madly, as though it wished to break through my ribcage. My legs shook briskly, my stomach churned. The thought of achieving such a dream so desired as holding a pre-eminent school leadership position was breathtaking. On the stroke of 5, the House Council patron read out the results. I had made it; I could not believe my success.
It was not long until I got into action with House Council responsibilities; Sports Day 2019 was just the following weekend. Having failed to win the highly coveted sports day trophy for the past three years, ‘students in green’ desired nothing more than to win 2019’s prestigious sports prize. Prior to the sports meet, it was my duty to select representatives for various Mawenzi events such as 100m x 4 relays, high jump, 1500m and tug of war from juniors through seniors, for both boys and girls. Irrefutably, it was a daunting task; however, through having to observe students’ individual strengths and then selecting the finest athletes for a particular event, I learnt invaluable skills of planning and structuring. Worth mentioning, Mawenzi house won the sports day that weekend.
Noting the 6th habit in Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, serving as Mawenzi House captain taught me the merit of synergizing. For the 2020 Valentine’s day celebrations, I worked alongside the Kibo and Meru house captains. Cooperatively, we faced the task of buying beyond 800 roses, hitching Valentine’s notes to them using bright-colored ribbons, marketing them to the over 550 students and teacher population, and subsequently selling them. Sounds like another Herculean task, right? I would not have accomplished those tasks all by myself. It was only through teamwork that the Valentine’s day house council event was such a success. I have since endeavored to get a helping hand from a friend when doing an assignment or lend a hand to a peer who is facing a challenge.
Martin Luther’s “I have a dream” speech was the all-important mainstay of the far-reaching mid-20th century civil rights movement in the US; public speaking has long been so indispensable a skill. I am always pleased to recall the 2020 International Women’s Day celebrations that I organised at school because they gave me an opportunity to hone my public speaking skills; as one of my individual responsibilities as a member of the House Council Executive, it was my charge to plan and manage the women’s day school activities. Two days beforehand, I sent out an email to all students and teachers apprising them of the women’s day assembly, of which I would be the key speaker. On the much-awaited day, I opened the assembly and recognized all students who had made contributions to the organisation of the day’s activities that would follow. For my individual presentation, I gave a speech entitled Every Woman, inspired by the 2020 International Women’s Day hashtag. Making me feel proud of my well-thought-out speech, my teachers of ToK and English Language & Literature commended me for my show.
What makes House Council Executive so engaging is its arduousness, its demand for personal initiative, yet alone its student involvement. For each of the activities I have fronted or merely assisted in, I have had to give my best and challenge myself to face novel and taxing tasks. Furthermore, my position as Mawenzi House captain tested my teamwork adeptness, yet also taught me the pricelessness of being united.
~ Gordon B. Hinckley
In second grade, an engraving on the outside of my principal’s door bore the aforementioned quote. As “the leaders of tomorrow,” a description that the principal loved to use when referring to his students, it was a noble school obligation to recite that quote every day when we gathered for the morning reflection assembly. Growing up with a quote so inspiring as the aforesaid - at the back of my mind - always drew me towards serving others through leadership positions. At UWC East Africa, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to achieve that long-standing aspiration when student house captains were to be elected to join the House Council Executive - Student Council as we know it at my school. Having an overwhelming backing of my peers, I contested for the position of Mawenzi House captain. After giving policy statements before a general school assembly, we held the long-sought elections. It was two hours until the announcement of the results. My heart was thumping madly, as though it wished to break through my ribcage. My legs shook briskly, my stomach churned. The thought of achieving such a dream so desired as holding a pre-eminent school leadership position was breathtaking. On the stroke of 5, the House Council patron read out the results. I had made it; I could not believe my success.
It was not long until I got into action with House Council responsibilities; Sports Day 2019 was just the following weekend. Having failed to win the highly coveted sports day trophy for the past three years, ‘students in green’ desired nothing more than to win 2019’s prestigious sports prize. Prior to the sports meet, it was my duty to select representatives for various Mawenzi events such as 100m x 4 relays, high jump, 1500m and tug of war from juniors through seniors, for both boys and girls. Irrefutably, it was a daunting task; however, through having to observe students’ individual strengths and then selecting the finest athletes for a particular event, I learnt invaluable skills of planning and structuring. Worth mentioning, Mawenzi house won the sports day that weekend.
Noting the 6th habit in Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, serving as Mawenzi House captain taught me the merit of synergizing. For the 2020 Valentine’s day celebrations, I worked alongside the Kibo and Meru house captains. Cooperatively, we faced the task of buying beyond 800 roses, hitching Valentine’s notes to them using bright-colored ribbons, marketing them to the over 550 students and teacher population, and subsequently selling them. Sounds like another Herculean task, right? I would not have accomplished those tasks all by myself. It was only through teamwork that the Valentine’s day house council event was such a success. I have since endeavored to get a helping hand from a friend when doing an assignment or lend a hand to a peer who is facing a challenge.
Martin Luther’s “I have a dream” speech was the all-important mainstay of the far-reaching mid-20th century civil rights movement in the US; public speaking has long been so indispensable a skill. I am always pleased to recall the 2020 International Women’s Day celebrations that I organised at school because they gave me an opportunity to hone my public speaking skills; as one of my individual responsibilities as a member of the House Council Executive, it was my charge to plan and manage the women’s day school activities. Two days beforehand, I sent out an email to all students and teachers apprising them of the women’s day assembly, of which I would be the key speaker. On the much-awaited day, I opened the assembly and recognized all students who had made contributions to the organisation of the day’s activities that would follow. For my individual presentation, I gave a speech entitled Every Woman, inspired by the 2020 International Women’s Day hashtag. Making me feel proud of my well-thought-out speech, my teachers of ToK and English Language & Literature commended me for my show.
What makes House Council Executive so engaging is its arduousness, its demand for personal initiative, yet alone its student involvement. For each of the activities I have fronted or merely assisted in, I have had to give my best and challenge myself to face novel and taxing tasks. Furthermore, my position as Mawenzi House captain tested my teamwork adeptness, yet also taught me the pricelessness of being united.
www.unitedworldwide.co