‘Why fit in when you are born to stand out?’
I love that saying, and it guides my team and I in choosing the right individuals as student ambassadors for my school.
As an educator, I have always believed that schools should appoint student ambassadors.
Many may think that ‘student ambassador’ is a fancy title that would look good on a student’s leaving certificate.
Let me assure you that this is far from the case. Being an ambassador is a position of responsibility, leadership, and influence. Not many have what it takes to become one.
Recently, at my school – Global Oak Tree Scholars (GOTS) International School – we had an installation ceremony for the first batch of student ambassadors we selected a year ago.
We chose the students based on their academic achievements and prowess in sports and the arts.
More importantly, we selected those who could be role models for their schoolmates.
We had planned to appoint the first batch much earlier, but Covid-19 scrubbed everything. As such, it was only last year that we chose the students who had 12 months of training before their confirmation.
Yes, we are that serious in our selection.
As part of their training, we gave them several tasks, and they attended a special camp where they bonded over games and activities designed to test their leadership skills.
It was also to see who were the problem solvers, who could learn from failure, and those who never gave up, even if the odds were stacked against them.
Being an ambassador helps to develop leadership abilities, encourage academic performance, create a strong school culture, and improve communication and networking skills.
These 16 ambassadors will have different responsibilities, including being involved in the various events we organise, welcoming new students, or helping parents.
There will be many challenges, but I am sure our ambassadors will rise to the occasion and build a legacy and a tradition they can be proud of.
The ambassadorship is arguably one of the most beneficial extracurricular undertakings a child can perform at school. The experience gained will be valuable, and will last a lifetime.
A student ambassador is in an environment that promotes hands-on learning, developing planning skills, decision-making, communication, and teamwork.
It will take teamwork, dedication, commitment, hard work, and time to fulfil their role as ambassadors. These are valuable skills for university, and ultimately, for when they enter the workforce.
Our teaching methodology emphasises on creating future leaders. Being ambassadors allows these 16 students to practice what we teach.
I am confident they will make me proud, just as I am sure those from other schools have ambassadors who proudly carry their school’s name.
The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent that of Twentytwo13.