With Student Government elections rapidly approaching, Senior Lidiya Schneider shares her experience in a series of Questions and Answers. Pictured above in April 2024, Schneider and Charlie Gerstner wait to give their campaign speeches, a tradition that will continue this week before all-school elections.
Q: Why did you decide to get involved in Student Government?
“I wanted to be a leader in the NDA community and help make decisions that could have a real impact. I knew that Student Government would allow me to speak up, represent my peers, and contribute to the school positively.”
Q: What has been rewarding about serving?
“One of the most rewarding parts of student government has been seeing how dedicated our teachers and staff are behind the scenes. It’s given me a better understanding of how decisions are made in our school, and it’s empowering to be part of that process.”
Q: How major is the time commitment?
“For the executive board, it’s at least one meeting every other week, but the time commitment can change depending on your role and how involved you choose to be. Planning events or serving on committees can add more responsibilities outside of those regular meetings.”
Q: What exactly have you done besides going to meetings?
“I’ve helped plan events for our school, which means attending extra meetings, helping with setup and takedown, and being there during the event to make sure everything runs smoothly. Everything about student government is hands-on, and it is very important to be a role model for other students when it comes to involvement.”
Q: What is your role in student government?
“I serve as the Representative to the Curriculum and Student Life Board, and I’m also a member of our Academy Fans branch. This means I deal with everything from the day-to-day life of NDA students to increasing our school spirit. Additionally, I work with fellow senior Amelia Chrudimsky to lead the bi-weekly executive board meetings.”
Q: What have you learned about yourself?
“I’ve learned that I’m capable of handling more responsibility than I originally thought. Being in Student Government has pushed me to be more confident in sharing my ideas and taking initiative.”
Q: How have you grown?
“I’ve grown both as a leader and a communicator. I’ve learned how to better work with others, listen to different perspectives, and manage my time effectively while balancing academics and leadership roles.”
