Consider what goes on behind the scenes

Ruhi Kaneria | The Chronicle

As a writer for The Chronicle, I understand that the main goal of journalism is to
eliminate bias. But in this piece, to be honest, I am biased. I am a staff writer for The
Chronicle and I am the Student Body Treasurer in Student Government (StuGo),
and both have a place in my heart. However, as a columnist and StuGo leader, I am
compelled to share my insight on the reality of planning for the Homecoming Week.
Before I begin, I want anyone reading to know that I am not writing this to complain
about the criticism StuGo has received these past few weeks or to elicit any sympathy
or recognition. No. I, like many other Student Government executives, have to come
to terms with the fact that our work will never satisfy 100% of the student body
population. Our passion for this organization means more to us than any forced
sympathy or recognition.

As an organization, we are in a ‘customer service role’, catering to all types of
clientele. Think about it. As leaders of the student body, we focus not on satisfying but
rather serving students who hate large crowds, students who love large crowds, students
who like the pep rally, students who hate the pep rally, those with sensory issues and
hundreds of teachers. We also shoulder the weight of planning a Homecoming Week
from the ground up every year, hoping that it appeals to all the 4,000 expectations of
teachers, administrators, students, and families. We have to adhere to the regulations
of the administration, who we have worked side-by-side with to deliver a safe,
well-planned, and fun Homecoming Week experience. Take a second to thank the
administration. These are people who have literal doctorates and professional degrees
who sit and ponder the best decor or best pep-rally activity for our student body to
enjoy.

When you say the DJ didn’t play your favorite song, we have already feared that
possibility. When you say the themes may be too difficult, we have already considered
that. When you say the decor is falling, we have already seen that. Before the student
body points it out, Student Government executives and advisors have already
recognized their shortcomings. We are the first to criticize ourselves because we want to
better the experiences we deliver to our student body. With that, I am not saying to not
tell us anything. Not at all. I want to hear the criticism because it makes us better. After
talking to my fellow Chronicle writer, Kaiya Lakes, I better understand that students
are also on the same page as StuGo, and they too want to improve student engagement.
We all love our school, and we all love improving ourselves.

Looking back, Homecoming Week is one of the most treacherous weeks of school
for me. I dedicated over 20 hours of my time to Student Government that week, along
with trying to finish my schoolwork, as well as enjoying what I have been planning
for weeks. Many people may say, “But Ruhi, you did this yourself!? How is this my
problem?” To that, I say, you are right., I did do this to myself. No one signed me up for
this. You are right. I signed up myself because I care about StuGo, the school, and the
people that go here. Nothing makes my heart sing more than seeing the students dance
away their worries at Homecoming. That one moment makes all of it worth it. I care so
much that, despite Homecoming Week being one of the most stressful times, I reflect
on it with a smile and excitement to do it all again next year.

All I am saying is that we are bound to make mistakes. I mean, look at us. We are one
of the largest clubs in the largest high school in Ohio. But we are also human. We try to
provide a memorable time for each and every student. We can try but unlike robots or
fortune tellers, we can’t crunch numbers and pinpoint where we may go wrong in the
future. So give us grace. It is easy to criticize the highlights of Homecoming but before
you do, consider the people behind the scenes.