Last week, after a series of intense debates, 3rd formers chose Maggie Qi and Philip Kim as their SGA representatives.

“It was kind of a surprise. I mean, this has been my fifth week here, and I’ve suddenly got recognition from basically most of the people in our form. And, I guess, apart from surprises, a sense of responsibility that falls on my shoulders that I have to do stuff now,” Qi said.

At school, Qi said that she loves all her subjects and that her favorite is drawing and visual arts. As a big soccer fan, Qi is also currently a JV girls soccer team member.

“Our team is like a really tight-knit group, and everybody is very nice,” Qi said. 

Qi mentioned that she was given various random questions to answer during the debate with a limited time to prepare. She said that she was intimidated at first but that she then responded to the questions confidently.

“It was about what proposals you would take as an SGA member. And I said, well, because I’m from China, and I know there are a lot of international students here; for me, I really miss actual Chinese food and stuff. I was wondering if we can do an international food day here, just like a way students can enjoy different kinds of food,” Qi said.

Regarding her ambition and plans as a 3rd form SGA representative, Qi said, “I think I can start working from daily situations that bothers students, and then try and fix them. On a broader scheme, I’m hoping to listen to my peers’ advice and what they want to bring to the school. I want to help them with my own abilities.”

Kim is the other newly elected third-form SGA representative. He said that he enjoys playing soccer and basketball and that his favorite subjects are math and physics.

“I think I was slightly nervous because I didn’t know exactly what I was doing, but I was also really excited to try something new in this environment,” Kim said. “I just want to be able to support all my peers. A lot of the times people are like, ‘We’re third formers,’ and they feel they’re kind of weak and they don’t have enough power. But I want everyone’s voice to be heard and everyone’s concerns, comments, plans and ideas can be heard.” 

Laura McConney, as the faculty adviser of the student council, said that she was very impressed by the level of decorum and the thoughtfulness of all the candidates in this election.   

McConney said that she plays a “relatively passive role” within the SGA and that her goal is to provide guardrails as students are thinking through their ideas. “Whatever they’re able to bring to the table, and talking to their constituents, we’re excited to hear about it,” she explained.