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HOWLER 29 MARCH 2024
Mrs. Baudo, the first Opinion: Speak female head of AC KEXIN CAI
As the first female head of Allendale Columbia, what challenges did you go through to get to this position? I’ve had a lot of growth opportunities along my journey before becoming the Head of AC. The challenges I faced weren’t always specific to being a female leader, but instead were based on my age and perceived lack of experience. I learned quickly that I had to prove myself - putting in the time, asking a lot of questions, and displaying a willingness to learn and adapt. I surrounded myself with as many experts as I could find within the field who served as mentors I could lean on for help when I was struggling with tough decisions. No one has all the answers, and those who appear to usually lose trust pretty quickly from others. Although I’m the first female Head of Allendale Columbia, I’d be remiss if I didn’t recognize the founders and former leaders of Columbia School, specifically, Joan Twaddle, the last Headmistress of Columbia School. I’ve heard countless stories of Ms. Twaddle and the indelible mark she left on her students. I can only strive to leave a lasting impression on our students and the institution that Ms. Twaddle left for Columbia School. What I’ve learned is that regardless of the position you’re in, people will always question your decisions. Ultimately, what has kept me grounded is knowing that I act with integrity. My role is to serve the institution by putting the students and greater good of the institution before all else. Not everyone will agree with every decision, but it’s important to remain true to the mission of the institution you serve. Continued to page 2
up Forum
EVELYN KACPRZYNSKI & ARYANA SAEDI
Last Wednesday, Allendale Columbia hosted its second annual Speak Up Forum. The event aims to provide an open space for students to gather and discuss desired changes within AC. This year, the event expanded school-wide, incorporating various activities, and entailing over nine hours of training for group facilitators. As we reflect on our second SpeakUp Forum, we aspire to identify areas for improvement and address the issues that arose during the event. We aren’t sure what’s more hypocritical: the fact that students complain about our school and then proceed to skip the event built specifically for “complaining”, or the fact that students aren’t involved in planning an event built specifically for students. It’s an adult’s favorite thing: guessing what would be ideal for students instead of just asking them. Without student participation in the planning process, we cannot genuinely claim the Speak-Up slogan, “for students, by students.” If a significant portion of students opt out of an event created for students, there is a conflict between the purpose of the event and the actions taken to fulfill that purpose. Before embarking on any project, leading a group, or undertaking any endeavor, we must first ask ourselves, “why.” When we understand the purpose of Speak-Up to be a platform for student expression, it becomes apparent that the low turnout signals a significant issue that cannot be ignored. At the same time, it really couldn’t be any more ironic for students to profusely harp on the school’s “lack of communication”, “long lunch periods” and “lame pep rallies”, and proceed to no-show on the one day we’ll all actually be listened to. We should appreciate the privilege of belonging to a community that prioritizes amplifying student voices and fostering positive change. This is a community that cares. Continued to page 2