Defeat Doesn’t Mean You Have Lost

As many have noticed, I ran to be next year’s FCPS Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB). I have been dreaming of this role since I was in eighth grade. I am the student in school that is involved with far too many clubs and activities, however that is not enough for me. I want to help students in my community through my passion of advocacy; and that is why I ran for SMOB. 

Even though I did not win, I congratulate Alex Thomas for being next year’s SMOB. 

I put in so much effort into my campaign. I was constantly emailing other school’s SGA advisors, reaching out to students sharing my platform, crafting my social media presence, and constantly updating my platform to adapt to students of FCPS needs. Yes, it is upsetting to see all my hard work not rewarded with winning SMOB, but I know that a lot of people saw the effort I exerted- so it was worthwhile. It was since last year that I knew this was the year I was going to run for SMOB, I had everything all lined up, and a game plan set. I enjoyed every minute of the stressful nights, going out to schools, and listening to students throughout all of FCPS. Even though I am disappointed in myself that I could have done more, or could have done better in order to win, I did not lose- I am not defeated.

This experience caused me to go outside my comfort zone physically and mentally. In order to campaign, I went to schools to talk to students. I for once in my life actually got to see other parts of FCPS that I wouldn’t have otherwise. I was able to visit The Frederick Classical Charter School, Walkersville Middle School, Urbana Middle School, and meet with Thurmont Middle School, Frederick High School, Ballenger Creek Middle School, Crestwood Middle School virtually. Without this opportunity, I would not have ever pushed myself physically to put myself into other students’ shoes to understand their experiences in FCPS. 

My slogan was “Sophia CARES 4 FCPS.” CARES stood for Community; Accessibility; Readiness; Equity; and Safety. I wanted to increase community engagement within FCPS such as increase philanthropy or highlight our schools cultural groups. I was determined to advocate for students to have access to quality programs such as athletic & performing arts programs without financial stress. I wanted to make sure that FCPS helped students be ready for the next step wherever they went after high school. I wanted to advocate to make sure FCPS policies and regulations maintained equality to benefit students. Finally, I was determined to advocate for updated safety measures to make sure students get in and out of school safely. However, after reflecting on my campaign, I realized that, even if I won’t be the next FCPS SMOB, I still have the power to do those things and continue to advocate for community, accessibility, readiness, equity, and safety. I can still testify to the Board of Education (BOE) and still email our BOE members to make sure students’ voices are heard. 

My campaign also helped me figure out who I wanted to be. Looking back, people can now see the effort I put into my clubs, and begin to understand why I do what I do. I was able to recognize my own potential, letting nothing stop me from doing what I believe is best. Whether that is calling out the BOE for making poor decisions that can affect students negatively, or speaking out on issues within FCPS to help students learn about what is going on in our county. 

Additionally, I had the opportunity to speak to students across the whole county. In order to do this, I had to push past my anxiety to speak in front of crowds. I pushed myself further than ever before and I am proud of myself for doing so. My name is now known across FCPS and will continue to be outspoken whether people like it or not in order to benefit my community at the county level, state level and national level. 

Although, there are many things I know I shouldn’t have done or did wrong such as be “too kind” or share some of my ideas with other candidates. In return, I got played. I realize those candidates took those ideas and while I was being kind and respectful, they were just ignorant and disrespectful. This allowed me to look at myself and know I did everything out of my heart. I used my empathy and stubbornness to advocate for FCPS students, and put them before myself.

Finally, just because I lost this election does not mean I am defeated. I am defeated only when I give up. I will not give up, I am not going to stop fighting for what is right even if others laugh at me. I will use all the ideas I carried through this campaign with me to benefit others in FCPS. I will work as President of Students 4 Frederick, a student-run group that advocates for FCPS Students. I will continue to work hard at being one of our schools SGA co-presidents, spirit club president, and a leader within my school and community. Therefore, I never lost this election. I won, I won.