Kushal Patel discusses experience as student body president

Senior+Kushal+Patel+found+out+that+he+was+elected+the+student+body+president+last+year%2C+near+the+end+of+his+junior+year+amidst+the+pandemic.+Because+of+COVID-19+we+lost+a+whole+year+of+%E2%80%98regular%E2%80%99+school%2C+so+I+wanted+to+be+able+to+give+the+students%2C+especially+seniors%2C+a+really+fun+school+year+to+try+to+make+up+for+lost+time%2C+said+Patel.

Senior Kushal Patel found out that he was elected the student body president last year, near the end of his junior year amidst the pandemic. “Because of COVID-19 we lost a whole year of ‘regular’ school, so I wanted to be able to give the students, especially seniors, a really fun school year to try to make up for lost time,” said Patel.

What is it like being president?
“So far being president has been a lot of fun. It’s great seeing everyone being super into school spirit, like everyone showing out for spirit week, having a huge turnout at homecoming, and having big crowds for our football games. It is a good amount of work though, which I knew was going to be the case, but that has helped me improve my time management skills.”

Why did you decide to become president?
“I wanted to become student body president because I wanted to be involved in the big decisions that affect student life at North, and I thought that I could do a good job in understanding what everyone would want.”

What roles have you played so far in major events?
“For Spirit Week and Homecoming, I, along with the other stuco executives, helped pick what the themes for each day will be and also the overall theme for the dance.”

What is the most difficult part of being the president?
“Nothing has been too difficult so far, but one thing that has been hard is realizing that sometimes you have to make decisions that not everyone will be happy with.”

Do you think being president will help you in the future and why?
“Yes. I think it has and will continue to teach many key skills I can use for the rest of my life, such as leadership skills, being able to work well with others, time management, and being able to problem solve [with] a deadline.”

What motivates you to be a good president?
“What motivates me is wanting to give my peers a fun school year and also I understood that when I became the student body president, that it was an important role, and I should take it very seriously. It wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t put in any work because then a lot of events, like Homecoming, would not be very enjoyable.”

What would you recommend to someone who wants to become the president?
“I would say to be ready for a major time commitment and also understand the importance of delegating so you can get feedback from other STUCO executives. Also, don’t be scared to have new ideas and always share them with your members and Mr. Mckitrick.”

What is one thing that you want people to know about their president?
“I guess just that I’d love to hear what people want to have happen at our school this year; things like the talent show or other fun things we could do.”