Head Boy and Head Girl Interview
This month, the Roar brings you an exclusive interview with our very own, and very delightful Head Boy and Girl. Nick Frosst and Madeline Smith talk about life at Bell, love at Bell, and cheating while in office.
Interviewer (Q): Can you do an interview now?
Nick Frosst: Get me a sandwich, then we’ll talk.
(Sandwich was fetched.)
Q: Why did you decide to run for head girl/boy?
Madeline Smith: I really appreciate all the opportunities the school has given me, such as the programs I’ve been able to participate in and the wonderful people I’ve met during my time at Bell. I wanted to give back to the school.
Nick: In the past couple of years Students’ Council has become more relevant and I want to continue that momentum. I feel that Students’ Council has the potential to be more than just a group of people telling you to wear silly hats. I feel that we can be a student government and voice; I’d very much like to see that happen.
Q: How do you plan on doing that?
Nick: By making Students' Council less focused on events that only interest a small demographic and more focused on relaying the student’s opinions to administration.
Q: What’s it like working closely with teachers and administration?
Nick: Sweaty.
Madeline: Working with our school’s staff has made me realize that there is so much work –that I had never noticed before – put into classes and student activities. The teachers and administration truly care and I feel as though this is something unique to Bell.
Q: Though I’m sure there are many highlights, what has been the most enriching part of your experience at Bell?
Madeline: I really like the supportive atmosphere and community that Bell has. The teachers are really involved and I have learned so much more from them than just math and history. Also we have a very diverse school, not just ethnically but in terms of areas of interest, and I think it’s great that people are able to express themselves without feeling that they have to conform.
Nick: Meeting a slew of entirely new and different people.
Q: What is the best part of your job?
Madeline: I get to meet people I otherwise would have never met. Also, even though running meetings was originally difficult, General Students' Council is now the highlight of my week.
Q: What was initially difficult about running the General Students' Council meetings?
Madeline: It was hard to find ways to keep the meetings fun and interesting while still accomplishing all that we wanted to accomplish. As my nerves lessened I was able to relax and have fun with it; as a result I feel that the meetings have become more engaging.
Q: What is the hardest part of your job?
Nick: It’s hard to figure out what a majority of the student body wants versus a vocal minority. Our school has such a wide variety of ideals.
Q: Cheating on wives is all the rage for politicians this year. Nick, do you plan on cheating your girlfriend while in office?
Nick: Yes.
Q: Do you have any advice for next year’s head girl/boy?
Madeline: Talk to people, get to know the student body. You need allies, students and staff on your side, to get anything done and for any event to be a success. Talk to administration, talk to our wonderful custodial staff, make these people your friends.
Q: What about for grade nines or other new students on how to get involved?
Nick: There are so many clubs and opportunities at Bell. Look for something that interests you. If you can’t find something you like, then hell, make your own club.
Q: What event are you most looking forward to this year?
Nick: Graduation, or leadership camp.
Q: How have you changed since gr. 9?
Madeline: I was fairly shy when I first came to Bell, and I saw all these students who were involved and I really admired that, but never thought that I could be like them or that I had the guts to be like them. Nonetheless, I went to events and participated in clubs and I met people. I’m so glad that I now have the confidence to be a leader of sorts and the supportive environment at Bell helped me do this.
Q: What leadership qualities do you possess that make you a good head boy?
Nick: I really like talking to people.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to say to the students of Bell?
Madeline: Don’t over-think things, just get out there and get involved with whatever floats your boat.
Nick: If there’s something you’d like Students' Council to be or something you would like Students' Council to represent: to other students, to the administration, et cetera. Please don’t hesitate to talk to me or any other member of Students' Council.