Observing Our Leaders: A Look at Club Presidents and How They Run Their Clubs

In this interview styled article, club leaders Mia Birk, Sarah Syed, Emma Lee, and Aayush Joshi were interviewed about what ethics their club emphasizes.

Name: Mia Birk

President of: Pride Club

Goal(s) they wish to achieve: “We want an inclusive school environment that celebrates our differences and promises a future where no queer kid will fear for their safety.”

2 morals/values they uphold and why:

“We uphold respect for ourselves and each other and bravery to be our truest selves even when it is hard.”

Name: Sarah Syed

President of: Mock Trial

Goal(s) they wish to achieve: “We want to grow as public speakers and have a better understanding of how courts operate and how cases are conducted.”

2 morals/values they uphold and why:

“Integrity – I think it’s extremely important to be honest about the work we do, and obviously, with Mock Trial, we can’t lie during a trial when we are presenting, so integrity is really important.”

“Collaboration – Mock Trial doesn’t work without everyone collaborating and working together to make the case come together. We need witnesses, defense attorneys, prosecution attorneys, openers, closers, etc., to have the whole thing go smoothly. I think it’s important that everyone knows how to work together and to communicate.”

Name: Emma Lee and Aayush Joshi (co-presidents)

Club: Multicultural and Foreign Language Club (aka MCFL)

Goal(s) we wish to achieve: We wish to create an uplifting, inclusive, and safe environment for people of all different cultures and nationalities. We also wish for people to learn about different cultures with us and partake in cultural events and activities!

2 morals/values we uphold and why:

Compassion and cultural appreciation. As one of the few clubs that give to international humanitarian causes, our compassion is a value that drives our club forward in many ways. Second, cultural appreciation. In a world where cultural appropriation and/or negative racial stereotypes are becoming more and more prominent, MCFL seeks to be an inspiring light where people can come and learn about new and different cultures in a respectful and kind way. We appreciate people’s curiosity and encourage them to learn about cultures right from the source- their people, instead of secondary sources that might not be as accurate or carefully curated.