Once more unto the breach...

Election time, and this one's turning out to be a doozy!  There are three fiercely contested positions up for grabs, and I'm in the running against two other classmates. Today, each of us stood on stage and recited an initial speech, marking the beginning of campaign week.  Let the competition begin!

I've think "competition" has a twisted stigma that I would like to dispel.  I hold the utmost respect for every competitor because he/she is a competitor.  Whatever the field of contest, it takes guts to commit yourself to public examination and judgement.  In stepping forward, you leave behind your previous accomplishments and rely on merit alone.

Scrutiny under the spotlight: though it is a steep price of admission, it is well worth the cost.  Although we compete for a service position, and the class chooses in its best interests, it is us who benefit the most from the process. We discover latent strengths acquired from experience. We examine ourselves, find out what we stand for, pin down our values. We learn ways to effectively express our motives and passions to others.  These are skills that we will hold long after the final ballot is announced.

Good luck to all of the candidates!