Parents, teachers, and peers frequently discuss the importance of leadership experiences for college applications. When first entering high school, it can seem overwhelming or nearly impossible to find leadership experiences that truly make an impact, but many students at our school have done just that. Two such examples are juniors Shira Sager and Jeremy Dejman.
Jeremy Dejman, also a Gilinski Ambassador and member of the student government as a Vice President, exists as another example of a leader within our school community.
A Gilinski Ambassador, grade representative, vice president of the Health Information Project (HIP) and Mock Trial clubs, and founder of Warrior Bracelets (an independent company she runs outside of school), Shira Sager has not only filled her schedule with impressive leadership roles, but has also managed to make a significant impact in the Jewish community. The most impressive aspect of her leadership spans beyond her leadership; it is the true passion she has for each of the many extracurricular activities she is involved in that makes her work so meaningful. Through just one conversation with Sager, it becomes apparent that she is extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about everything she does, and she has said that her passion is what has allowed her to obtain each of these leadership roles and grow into the great leader she is today. These leadership roles have enabled her to develop essential skills, including effective communication in a professional setting, time management, and the ability to receive constructive criticism and implement necessary changes. Although she has learned a lot from the roles she currently holds, her ability to follow through on her ideas, her ability to find creative solutions to any problem, and her selflessness are primary traits that make Sager stand out as a community leader. Furthermore, she listens to everyone around her–peers, parents, and teachers–when exploring a new subject or idea. “Constructive criticism is one of the most crucial aspects of being a leader, because it allows a different perspective on what great ideas should be created,” said Sager.
An intern at StandWithUs, president and founder of Rho Kappa, Co-Founder and Co-President of the Health Information Project (HIP), Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Roar Post, and more, Dejman demonstrates the importance of hard work and community involvement in becoming a leader. “Get out there. High school is the perfect place to experiment, try new subjects, and explore your passions,” he said. Dejman also mentioned how leadership is centered more on dedication than on intelligence. However, with all of these leadership roles comes one goal that Jeremy Dejman strives to achieve–to “educate others while also allowing them to be educated by the experiences and knowledge of those [he] works with.” He wants to create a community that fosters growth and empowerment, leaving the community in better shape than he found it. This does not only apply to the community, but rather to himself as well. Dejman has grown and learned a lot through his many leadership experiences. One skill he feels he has improved on is his ability to communicate with others and take varied perspectives into account.
Shira Sager and Jeremy Dejman are only two examples of the incredible student leaders who contribute to the betterment of Scheck Hillel, both of whom are extremely kind, personable people that we students can learn a lot from. These two know what it takes to both obtain leadership positions and actually fulfill the responsibilities that come with them.