Image courtesy – Umang Aggarwal
(The Leader who puts her team first, even in the photographs)
1) Tell us more about your role & responsibilities at your college.
As the President, I need to perform several roles and responsibilities including the induction of new members into the society, collaborating with other college societies, handling official society pages on social media, approaching various Sponsors, organising various fests, competitions, monthly activities and workshops throughout the year with the help of my team. Apart from this, as the president, a major responsibility of mine is to unite the whole team as ONE unit. I believe that all members must acknowledge the society work as their responsibility, not as one way to get a certificate.
We also want to make sure that activities conducted must be academically fulfilling but also consist of fun elements. They must be interesting and innovative enough that students take part on their own for having a break from their regular academic schedule.
2) How did you rise up to your position and how can a student aspiring the same, approach it?
When I first entered college life I had the urge to do something different, to be different from others so I ended up applying as a volunteer in 1st year. As an active volunteer, I served this society with my best efforts. I got to learn the backend process of organising an event on the college level. In 2nd year I gave an interview for the office bearers posts, and I was selected to be the joint secretary. Now I was supervising my juniors. Basically teaching them what I've learnt during my services as a volunteer.
In 3rd year, I was a little doubtful whether I'll be able to devote time to society or bcoz of coaching, research project and other stuff. But in 2 years I have built a connection to this society and it was impossible to leave society in the last yr of my College life so I applied and got selected for this post. In my opinion, if anyone wants to achieve this he/she must apply for Volunteer post then Office bearer posts and finally in 3rd for President's post since this is a gradual learning process. Also, a president or leader of any team must know how a leader should behave with other team members.
3) What's it like to juggle between a leadership role and normal college life?
The transition from the normal college life i.e. attending classes, doing projects, assignments and becoming a leader in society ensuring it's a success is a challenging yet a very motivating one. It makes me feel like I am giving back to the college in some way.
Managing time between college studies, projects, assignments and my role as a leader is also a difficult task. MCA coaching is something that makes it more difficult for me. But on the other hand, it is also teaching me to prioritise things, just in general in my life, which is a very learning experience.
4) What did you do in your current role that makes you feel really proud of yourself?
I don't know what exactly I have done exactly to feel proud. The success of every event we pull off is a victory of its own. However, a while ago when my team members personally messaged me saying "you are the best president... The way you did all the work make us do it properly... Thank you for handling team so well..."
I think that was when I felt proud of myself. My team is my strength. I couldn't have done whatever I've done for this society if they didn't have my back.
5) What's your message to encourage students to do internships and attend conferences?
I would definitely recommend students to do more internships and attend conferences. Take every opportunity you get to learn and explore new things, to meet new people who have achieved something in their life. It is quite an enriching experience.
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