From Unexpected Candidate to House Captain

 In 9th grade, the time had come for the student council elections. Students from classes 8 and 9 were allowed to participate, while 10th graders were eligible for the Head Girl and Head Boy positions. I, being one of the students who never imagined becoming a captain, decided to take part for my Yellow House. We were given three days and four periods to campaign around the school, carrying our banners and asking students to vote for us. Due to some misconduct on the first day, from the second day onward, we were no longer allowed to take companions for help—only the candidates could campaign. I had filled out the form just for the experience, knowing very well that there were more eligible students from my house for the post.

I didn’t know what would happen—I just believed in myself. Deep down, I knew I had an inbuilt leadership quality, even if I hadn’t realized it before. This was my chance to explore it.

Then, we were asked to choose a symbol to represent our campaign. I picked one randomly—a star—which wasn’t very unique.⭐

 I went from class to class, putting up my posters and delivering loud, clear speeches to make sure the students heard me. I didn’t enter the 10th-grade classrooms—because they were quite mischievous—so I gave my poster to a 10th-grade student to put up for me.

There were only two candidates for the Yellow House Captain position, including me, and the other girl was more well-known.

She was definitely more famous than I was, but my friends from all grades—and even my younger brothers—did everything they could to gather votes for me from Yellow House students. I knew I wasn’t the most popular, but they supported me with all their heart.

On election day, of course, I voted for myself and reassured myself that my friends had voted for me as well. 

The results were to be announced on the 30th of June. That morning, I lit two incense sticks while praying to God, hoping for the best. It was the first period, our class teacher’s period. Half of it was always wasted on complaints, attendance, and other nonsense, so the teaching time was always short. She was solving a math sum on the board when, suddenly, our principal came on the loudspeaker.

“I want pin-drop silence in all classes as I announce the results of the Student Council elections,” she said.

The moment I heard her voice, I started shivering and sweating, and cold chills ran through my body. I knew her pattern of announcing results—she always revealed the Vice Captain first, followed by the Captain. When the Yellow House results came up, I was on the edge of my seat.

My heart raced.

“Dhruvi Trivedi, with 87 votes, becomes Yellow House Vice Captain...”

I was still in shock—a complete state of surprise. Wait… did that just happen? 

“…And {Captain's Name}, with 90 votes, becomes the Captain!”

I was still in shock—a complete state of surprise. Wait… did that just happen? Was I actually famous in my house now? My classmates turned toward me, smiling and congratulating me. The guy sitting in front of me, who had just been elected Blue House Captain, turned back, grinned, and gave me a fist bump. With my shaky hands, I managed to return it. I had made it.

The principal then instructed all newly elected members to head to the assembly hall for the preparation of the investiture ceremony. “It’s your day—the stage is for you. Don’t panic, just take a deep breath.” Only one parent was allowed to attend due to the seating capacity in the auditorium, and students from classes 5, 6, and 7 were also shown the ceremony.

During one of the rehearsals for the investiture ceremony, the band members came up to us and asked, “What tune do you want us to play when your house is called?” The four of us from Yellow House looked at each other, then shouted in unison, “Nashik Dhol!” We were excited, imagining a grand, energetic entrance with the rhythmic beat of drums.

When the big day arrived, we took the oath. Then, when Yellow House came forward, I don’t know why, but the band played a South Indian tune. It was different, but good—unique. From the chits, the House Mistresses were selected. Then, they made us wear our sashes, and when one teacher came toward me with the badge and pinned it on my uniform, I felt so special. The band played just for us, and my friends were calling out, clapping, and cheering—it was overwhelming!

After the students left, our parents came up to take pictures. My grandma had come, as my mom wanted her to see me on my big day. She was so proud of me. My friend’s mom took a picture of me, and then our own special paparazzi appeared—everyone’s parents snapping pictures as we were seated together. The Head Boy jokingly said from behind, “Humari sasti paparazzi, kaunse camera mein dekhu, samajh nahi aa raha!” We all chuckled and giggled.

It was a day I would never forget—the day I became a part of the student council, full of emotions, laughter, and proud moments.

This was just the beginning—of journeys, memories, responsibilities, and so much more to learn and cherish.