Behind a Student-Leader: Experiences of High School Student Government Officers in Quezon City

Abstract

Leaders of different student organizations are tasked to spearhead a vast range of programs, activities, and initiatives around the school as their primary goal is to serve their constituents. Student governments differ from each institution, having their own structure, set of positions, committees with specific purposes, and procedures they follow. These factors may be affected by the educational institution's religious affiliation (Hine, 2014) or gender difference by the different student-leaders (Amirianzadeh, 2012). Certain characteristics of each organization make them distinct from others and would often be considered their best feature. Thus, the research will be focused on executing a study to differentiate High School student governments in Quezon City. This study used the qualitative research approach because it involves the systematic collection of data regarding an empirical work that allows further understanding and clarifications of different observations (May, 1997). It gives the capacity to gain deeper meaning of a social phenomenon based on analysis of text or content as well as direct communication with the participants. The researchers have specifically chosen Phenomenology as it gives meaning and value to a human person's experiences, which is highly applicable to this study of the experiences of student government leaders in connection to their council's organizational structure. According to Creswell (2003), phenomenology is effective in studying a small number of sampling –in this case, 9 participants -to distinguish the essence of their experiences with the phenomenon. Joining student governments has helped individuals develop and form bonds with their co-members, and constituents which have taught them the value of camaraderie. Although they experience difficulties, they easily overcome them with constant communication. They serve because they genuinely desire to be of assistance to their respective communities. It is recommended for student officials and administrators to sustain constant communication. The inclusion of the perspectives of other students involved is also necessary. The researchers recommend that students be part of these organizations for personal development and have a better understanding of leadership that they can incorporate within themselves. The student government structures in Quezon City are somehow similar in terms of the set of officers making up the council. Each student government consists of a highest-ranking student official followed by lower positions. Despite each officer title of schools' student governments being different, their functions with regards to their rank in the hierarchy are more or less the same. Projects implemented by the different student governments are categorized into out-of-campus or in-campus affairs. Being courageous and passionate are the main characteristics that make an organization unique. Experiencing difficulties are hindrances to every organization. Through collaboration with the other student government organizations, leadership skills were developed and strengthened.