The Broward Association of Student Councils (BCASC) welcomed 300 of the top student leaders across Broward county to celebrate Broward Student Leaders Day. In representation of Pembroke Pines Charter’s Student Government Association (SGA), Juniors Janeyliz Baez and Giana Marte were invited to attend.
Gathered in the South Plantation High School auditorium, all SGA leaders sat in anticipation for the day they would spend listening to keynote speakers and discussing their leadership roles with students from other schools. Every student received a lanyard with their name on it and a slogan in bold pink letters: “c’est la vie!” meaning “that’s life.” This was because on this day, leaders would celebrate the leadership they consider a lifestyle.
Leaders were first greeted by the BCASC student officers and Dr. Phil Campbell, who would be the MC of the event. Dr. Campbell is a sixteen-year educator with experience as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and principal. With the goal of enhancing school culture, Dr. Campbell introduced students to what it means to be a leader in their school. He highlighted the importance of cultivating a community on campus where students feel seen, heard, and loved.
After Dr. Campbell finished his speech, he passed on the microphone to keynote speaker Gian Paul Gonzalez, who is widely recognized for inspiring the New York Giants to their most recent Super Bowl victory with his “All In” talk. After making the team for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), he turned down his contract to follow his true calling.
He decided to work as a ninth grade history teacher in Los Angeles and tutor youth who found themselves in jail. Mr. Gonzalez became the founder of Hope+Future, an organization dedicated to using physical fitness to share a message of hope and excellence.
Mr. Gonzalez emphasized seven key pieces of advice that he wanted the youth in the audience to take away:
- Leaders are a product of their environment. It is important to surround yourself with people who are willing to help and encourage others to be the best they can be.
- Go all in for others even if they don’t go all in for you. The reality is that not everyone will care as much as you do, but as leaders, remember to give it your all even if the same energy is not being reciprocated back.
- Don’t believe the lie that says it’s not worth it. If you care deeply about something as a leader, act upon it. Don’t let someone tell you it is not worth the work.
- Leaders are the face of the school. Their actions and words have more impact than people might think. Students and teachers at school are listening to what you have to say.
- Fame is about self pleasure, but greatness is the opposite. It’s about self sacrifice. Ask yourself: How much can I give to improve the life of someone around me?
- It’s not just to put on a college application. Leadership isn’t just a title or an award, it’s a lifestyle. Do it from the heart.
- Leaders give back HOPE and a FUTURE. Be there for others and be the reason they feel worthy enough to keep going.
“When you choose to care even if you have that sickening feeling that people won’t care as much as you, that’s what makes you stand out as a leader,” Mr. Gonzalez said, creating a wave of nods in approval. After a motivationally engaging speech, students applauded in understanding and gratitude for having the opportunity to serve their community.
Students were then broken up into teams composed of students from different schools. They had a variety of prompts they had to discuss for 20 minutes, and after the exchange in conversation and contacts, they effectively networked with each other.
Not only did they have the opportunity to share the exciting events their school plans in a mini renaissance rally, but a 15-minute “ideas blast” was displayed in the projector on stage. It rapidly went through multiple different ideas; leaders could take note of and take back to their campus for further inspiration.
After a concluding talk by Dr. Campbell, he left leaders with a final reminder that they have a mission to help schools create a positive school culture in which every adult and student feels seen, heard, and loved. As students applauded and began to exit the school, they stepped out the doors in confidence that their leadership will be enough to change the world.
