The Taylor's College Student Council (TCSC) Commissioning Ceremony took place on the 12th of January 2024 to welcome the brand new EXCO/BODs for the 23/24 term. As people piled into Lecture Theatre 12 at 10 am, the atmosphere buzzed with nervous energy from members about to be part of the new term and happiness and pride from all around. 

The event took off with the opening ceremony speech by Mr Ronson, one of the guests of honour and Director of Student Development. He spoke about the qualities of leadership, the rollercoaster of life and the lessons it brings. Following him, another guest of honour known as the Manager of SEAL, Miss Angie came up to give her speech, beaming with pride. The immediate past president, Nik Hazeeq also gave a speech filled with comfort and confidence for the next term. 

The Handing Over Ceremony soon began, which featured a presidential oath led by Miss Anna, the TCSC advisor. Finally, in a speech by Suzan, the newly appointed president highlighted her desire to shape college life to its best. Then, Mr. Ronson and Miss Anna handed each member their letter of appointment and a new name tag pin. As each newly appointed member's name was called, they walked to the stage to receive the items, All new Committee members were then invited on stage to take the Commissioning oath. The oath was led by the new Director of Student Welfare, Caleb. The oath being recited shows a pledge of duty that the new members promise to fulfil. 

After the speeches and oaths, tokens of gratitude were given to the guests of honour, Mr Ronson, Miss Angie and Miss Anna. It was then time for a photo session. All the committee members, old and new, including the programme directors and guests of honour gathered on stage for a few photos to commemorate the event. everyone dispersed for lunch held at Arcadia, which featured a spread of Indian food. The atmosphere was buzzing with lively conversations and everyone was having a good time socialising amongst themselves while enjoying the good food. 

During lunch, I had a chance to speak with Hazeeq, the former president. He expressed his relief at finally finishing his term and leaving it in good hands. He also highlighted the important lessons the student council taught him, specifically on managing people and the organisational skills that come with it. Hazeeq hopes that the new term will strive to increase their visibility to the student body by hosting more physical events. Insofar they have been doing online elections which does not garner much turnout. Hazeeq believes physical events are more attention-grabbing and easier for the student body to participate in. His message to the new EXCO/BODS is to be courageous and not be afraid to take new risks. He said, “I hope that our accomplishments will compound through every new generation.”

Speaking with Miss Anna, the TCSC advisor, she mentioned it has been her job to lead the student council, provide guidance, mentor the members and overall just act as a support system. She hopes the new term will take their rightful place as leaders and ensure that the student body feels inclusive and promotes diversity. This is so the student council can be the support structure for the student body. Miss Anna’s message to the previous term of EXCO/BODS  is that she is very proud of each of them and proud that they have made Taylor's College a better space under the leadership of Hazeeq and Aliff, the former vice president.

Caleb, the director of student welfare, revealed that he hopes to boost the engagement gap between management and the student body and host more relatable and relevant events during his term. He said these events “show that we’re listening” and want to push the message that changes will happen if the student body wishes for change. 

Caleb also mentioned being excited to start their work; for example, they have set up an online Student’s Concern Form where students can submit their concerns regarding campus or student life. The QR codes have been put up around campus, specifically in blocks D and E along with their Instagram (@tcscstudentcouncil). Once the submissions are compiled, they will bring them up at the student welfare committee meeting with Taylor’s College Management. Overall, this ensures the student council acts as an engine of change for Taylor’s College.

Lastly, I got to hear from Suzan, the newly elected student council president. Suzan’s vision includes her hopes for the internal and external part of the student council. Internally, she hopes to host more bonding activities and wishes to ensure there exists a good bond between committee members. This is because a good bond means better work can be produced more efficiently. Externally, she wishes to make the student council more known to the student body and wants to do this through a better social media presence, such as making TikToks and using Instagram. 

“As a normal member, I couldn’t see the work behind everything in student council, but now I know the full fledge of it”, said Suzan. She ended her interview with remarks on how it has been a great learning experience for herself and hopes to do her best for the student body and student council as their current leader.