When Bao Anh first joined Dewey, she didn’t even know what the Dewey Student Council (DSC) was. She simply wanted to find a place where she could explore new experiences beyond the classroom.
Becoming DSC Secretary opened the door to a journey longer than she had imagined. Working on things she loved alongside people who shared her interests helped Bao Anh grow from someone who mainly followed instructions into someone who took initiative. She learned to manage schedules, bring members together, and turn ideas into real activities.
Over three years and three different roles at DSC, Bao Anh came to understand herself better. She discovered how much she enjoyed creating opportunities for people to connect. What began as a place to try something new gradually became a place where she truly felt she belonged. And with that sense of belonging came a desire to help other TDSers find the same kind of safe, welcoming space where they could feel heard and understood.
Working alongside two former DSC Presidents, Bao Anh observed how each of them led the council, learned from their different approaches, and gradually developed a leadership style of her own. By Grade 12, she was ready to step beyond the role she knew so well and take on the position of DSC President.
In her new role, Bao Anh hopes DSC will be remembered for more than its major events. She wants the council to become a more familiar presence in TDSers’ everyday lives, creating more opportunities for students from the IB, Adventure, Journey, and Discover programmes to meet, understand one another, and build stronger connections.
Tien Dat, who served as DSC Vice President during Bao Anh’s two most recent terms on the council, has witnessed her journey firsthand. He shared: “Bao Anh has always shown remarkable maturity. She is excellent at managing her time, coordinating schedules, and standing alongside the team throughout every activity.”
For Bao Anh, one of the most valuable things she has gained at Dewey is the freedom to take ownership. Students are encouraged to voice their thoughts, explore new ideas, and make a tangible difference in their community. “The school is also always ready to support us with the resources we need, encouraging and motivating us to turn our ideas into action and create meaningful value for the community,” Bao Anh shared.
Three years ago, DSC gave Bao Anh a place to explore her interests and find a sense of connection. Three years later, she has chosen to create those same opportunities for others. Perhaps that is one way to understand growth: passing on to the people around us the very things that once helped us grow.
