StuCo Presidential Candidate Q&A: Emily Robb, McConnell Hall

Why do you want to be StuCo president?

I am running for StuCo president because I believe that I am qualified enough to successfully run Council meetings, represent the array of opinions within the student body and effectively execute the goals my constituents seek to accomplish

What are the ideal qualities of the StuCo president and why do you think you fulfill these ideals?

I believe that the three most important qualities a StuCo president can possess are commitment, communication and the ability to change one’s leadership styles. My commitment to StuCo and the greater Exeter community is shown through my love for this place and its people. My dedication to the Academy supersedes most things, and I will always feel the need to explain that I’m from California but live in New Hampshire; Exeter has become my home. Furthermore, I possess well-developed communication skills. I have been debating since the 6th grade, so I know how to be precise and persuasive. Finally, I don’t believe that there is one correct style of leadership for all circumstances, but there are correct approaches for individual instances. Some scenarios may require a hands-on method of delegating, others might call for a more subdued tactic, like leading by example, whereas alternatives need to be led in a less-regulated way, like active listening. Through my experiences in my clubs and classes alike, I believe I have honed my leadership skills and developed a keen sense of when and how different techniques should be used.

What policies do you hope to implement? Why?

If elected, I plan to revamp StuCo meetings, making them more discussion-oriented in order to maximize efficiency. I also hope to increase student participation by updating the long-forgotten StuCo Suggestion Box, sending out all-school surveys and weekly emails with the StuCo minutes for your convenience. Furthermore, I plan to strengthen care for the student body. For example, at my old school, I instituted a Rest and Recharge day, where no homework was due on Monday and classes didn’t start until 9 a.m. Whether attention for the well-being of Exonians comes in the form of addressing mental health on campus, or supporting our athletes with a spring pep rally, I want to be an advocate for my classmates. Ultimately, the most important objective is to accurately and proficiently represent my fellow Exonians.

Do you have any comments about the outgoing administration?

As is the case with any group, I believe there is always room for improvement; however, I do think that the current Executive Board has done a fantastic job this year. Their ambition has been admirable, and their commitment to pursuing solutions for the problems their constituents identified has been impressive. In the area of mental health, I hope to continue the progress that Rebecca, Jun and Joel have made in helping to improve overall student well-being.

What distinguishes you from the other candidates?

My ten years of StuCo experience prior to Exeter, my creative ideas paired with my communication skills and my success in spearheading the implementation of new policies are not my most differential qualities. What truly distinguishes me from the other candidates is my unparalleled dedication to StuCo and the Exeter community at large. In an ever-changing world, this school and my life here have become my constant; I promise that no other candidate possesses the passion to make this place as much a home for others as it has become for me.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I’m really excited to have made it this far, and feel incredibly honored to be included amongst these qualified and capable candidates. I’m eager to see the shift in leadership from this election, and am grateful to have been a part of it. Regardless of the results, I believe that StuCo will be left in good hands.