By Mira Nayak, Penny Nunes, and Mason Vargas
ASB is a gift that our school gets to have, here is a look into why Mira Nayak, Mason Vargas, and Penny Nunes are so thankful for it.
Mira:
I am an ASB kid. Specifically, I’m Executive Outreach, and I’m Head of Video Production, but this isn’t how I see ASB. ASB is what gets me to school every morning, it’s this amazing community filled with brilliant people that make you feel at home. I am unbelievably grateful for all that ASB has given me—once in a lifetime leadership skills, hands on filmmaking experience to a young filmmaker, a place for my ideas to be heard, the list goes on. Most importantly, 67 of the most unforgettable people I’ll ever meet, and my sophomore class, which are 19 of my closest friends.
As well, I am so grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given. Through ASB, I focus on student outreach and media. As tedious as the work can get, I’ve vowed never to complain. Everything makes it worth it when I see somebody’s day brighten just even at the slightest because of the hard work I’ve put in.
I want to give a special shout out to who makes ASB possible, our wonderful advisor Ms. Saldana. Mrs. Saldana cares so much about each student individually, working with each of us to perfect goals and push us to our full potential. All of us are so grateful for such a caring, thoughtful mentor who puts in so much time and effort into her work.
Mason:
I am proud and thankful to say that ASB has influenced and shaped me into the person I am today. ASB stands for Associated Student Body. Westmont’s ASB consists of roughly 65 students every year who in summary serve the student body striving to uphold the program’s mission statement to create a spirited, inclusive, and represented community to Westmont. ASB has provided me with many experiences and opportunities—each supporting and facilitating individual growth. The class provides recognition but also reflects performances. Lifelong skills and values have been integrated into my personality and have inspired me to provide the same chances ASB has provided me with to others. ASB helps fundamentally and formally, but it also lays the foundation for one’s character. As you all work towards a common goal and share the year together due to near immediate trust/support, the comfortable familiarity that ASB exhibits results in a family feeling. One’s efficacy in life truly grows through ASB. They recognize the impact they’re making. It’s helped me through tough times. It’s brought me closer to unexpected people. It provides something new to work on every chance possible. Thank you ASB.
Penny:
Nobody really understands what it’s like to be in ASB – the work, the time we have to devote to ASB, and the commitment. It can be easy to overlook it, unless, of course, you’re in ASB. I have been blessed with the most amazing two years of my life. Starting ASB my freshman year was the best decision I have ever made. Some of my closest friends have come from ASB and it has shaped me into the person I am today. If you saw me at the start of last year, I was awkward, kind of shy and would never be caught dead in the front of a rally, and now I can’t imagine myself not in the front of a rally with a huge sign that reads “LOUD” as I wave it back and forth. ASB broke me out of my shell and is a huge breath of fresh air in the morning, waking up dreading going to school, but realizing I get to go to ASB first and see all of my 65 friends and plan something incredible for the whole school to enjoy. It has taught me some of the greatest lifeskills: communication, patience, perseverance, and even problem solving. People often ask me how I don’t get stressed–well, I definitely do get stressed…very stressed. There is a lot to do because we are in charge of every event on the campus. However, it’s not the stress that you think about while being in ASB, it’s the reward. Seeing people enjoy a dance, or seeing somebody get recognized on campus that really deserves it is the greatest reward I could ask for. Some people may call me an ASB kid, but I wear that title with pride. ASB has given me the opportunity to be Sophomore Class Vice President, and that is something I am so proud of. So despite the stress I may get, I focus on the outcome, the friendships, and the lessons I learn. If I’m ever lost, you can always find me in room 46 at 7:30am–and you will find me with the biggest smile on my face because I am right where I want to be.
