Students: The Creators of the Future

My name is Isha. I am a 15-year-old student from Delhi, India studying in 10th grade. I am part of Teach For India and Teach For All.

As a student of a Teach For India Fellow, unlike most other kids my age, I have had many opportunities to participate in events and activities that have helped me to explore myself, and know and observe the community, and hence created the drive to bring about change. These opportunities and experiences gave rise to a new Isha, who understands the concept of leadership and is able to define it for herself as well as in her work for the community. Interacting with new and diverse people from around this wonderful world has widened my thoughts about the work of leaders and of student leadership.

Students are seeds that will grow into a big tree. Initially these seeds need to be inspired and motivated to grow, so that eventually that inspiration should become intrinsic. As they grow they have to face many obstacles and challenges, but these challenges make them stronger. Strong enough to stand up for their beliefs.

Student leaders not only develop themselves but also their peers. They use their potential to be role models for everyone. They may not necessarily go and solve a big issue but their one step or initiative can trigger big revolutions. They are leaders because they have courage to stand up for others and for themselves. Each and every person can be a leader, no matter how big or small their contribution is to the community.

Student leaders are not only the future, they are the creators of the future. They believe in shaping their own and the world’s destiny rather than depending on others to do so. Thus their voices and opinions matter.

I and 100 other kids have been part of a big movement in India called the Kids Education Revolution (KER). We believe it is very important for adults to listen to the opinions of students, as they might be small when it comes to their age but their experiences and perspectives are powerful. We believe that equal partnership between students and teachers, children and adults, can make the world better. With hard work, commitment, respect, love, and will, imagine how much we can accomplish by working together.