Do you have what it takes to be a leader? Cate offers a unique opportunity for students to take on a role that fosters leadership, builds community, and cultivates new relationships. Two of the most critical leadership opportunities for seniors are either leading a class as a teaching assistant (TA) or leading a dorm as a prefect. The terms “prefect” and “TA” are more than mere titles; they represent the school’s trust in these students, their commitment to improving student life, and their promise to lead by example and maintain a positive atmosphere. Their influence as leaders of Cate will profoundly impact and guide the students in the dorms or classrooms they are in charge of. To gain a deeper understanding of what their positions entail, some of this year’s prefects and TAs were interviewed about their encounters thus far.
To take on such demanding roles is no spur-of-the-moment decision. And so, how does someone become inspired to apply? For many, it was simple. Abby Oke ‘24 (a ‘25 House prefect) recalled, “It was really a full circle moment, honestly. My prefects helped me so much, and I wanted to do the same for the incoming freshmen. I love being able to help and guide people in the best ways I know how, and I knew being a prefect would be right down my lane.” Similarly, Simran Sharma ‘24 (sophomore TA) stated, “I loved my freshman TAs, and it was their guidance that influenced me to become one. Just as they were mentors for me, I want to be a mentor for others.”
Jasmine Palekar ‘24 (freshman TA) remembered and consequently incorporated her own experiences when creating meaningful relationships. She pronounced, “I wanted to become a TA to get to know and connect with the freshmen. In addition, I wanted to use my experiences from my time at Cate to help support the younger students through the transition to Cate and boarding school in general.” Likewise, Ada Hansen ‘24 (Sophomore TA), reflected on her decision process, stating, “I've always wanted to be one. I had great TAs my freshman and sophomore years, and [the role] seemed like such a blast.”
Following their appointment, these students were called to be “role models.” When asked to define the significance of her responsibility, Jasmine said that “being a TA means not only being a role model for the freshmen but also [providing them with] a support system. It means stepping into a leadership role as a senior (including leading classes, serving as a good influence, and sharing our experiences) while also connecting with your semmies as friends and serving as someone they can come to and talk to if they need it.” This sentiment was shared by Abby, who remarked, “[being a prefect] means to be a helping hand and being there for people when they need it most. Coming to Cate is not easy, so being a freshman prefect has its work cut out. But it means so much, and I love putting in the time.”
Leadership and responsibility at Cate come with their fair share of challenges. From schoolwork to college applications, it is clear that for seniors, it is no easy feat. Learning to balance not only the minutiae of their everyday lives at Cate but also stepping into a demanding role has been one of the difficulties student leaders have faced. This concept was echoed by Abby, who shared her challenges as a prefect: “balancing college, senior fall, school work, and expectations, all while trying to keep composure in front of the girls.” Additionally, authority is essential when stepping into a position of leadership. From the TA perspective, Jasmine believes that “the greatest challenge initially was trying to get to know my semmies just because it required a lot of reaching out on our part. I think now the greatest challenge has just been trying to make sure everyone is participating and engaged in class, which includes planning games and activities that we think everyone will like.”
The TA and prefect experience is not just built around the older students, guiding the younger students; there is mutual reciprocity in that the new high schoolers have just as much to teach the seniors. When asked what the most rewarding part of her experience was so far, Simran shared, “I love it when my semmies come up to me as if I am their friend. It makes my day for them to update me on their lives due to my connection with them in class.” Similarly, Jasmine recounted that the most rewarding part of being a freshmen TA is “getting to know and create connections with my semmies. It has also been really rewarding having them start to say hi outside of class and start conversations, showing that they are also starting to get to know and trust us.” Additionally, bridging the gap between sophomores and seniors and “getting to know underclassmen” has been the most gratifying part of Ada’s time as a sophomore TA. And finally, through her prefect experience, Abby has learned “patience.” She also believes that “getting to know the girls and seeing them come out of their shells is so much fun,” claiming that her delightful interactions with them make her feel like a “proud big sister.”
As the class of 2024 has settled into their new lives as leaders of the Cate community, it seems appropriate to reflect on their experiences. While being a TA or a prefect requires students to find a balance in their everyday lives, the interviewed student leaders were quick to offer up their advice. From Ada: “You have it in you to be in charge of a class. It may not seem like it, but once it starts, you will fall right into place.” From Simran: “Do not try to fit the ideal TA criteria; if you are chosen, you are chosen for a reason. Feel confident in yourself and go with the flow because plans often change.” From Jasmine: “Make a lot of effort to get to know every one of your semmies. Even if they don't initially reciprocate, it's important to keep reaching out and showing that you are there for them. And lastly, from Abby: “Just lean into the experience and have fun and laugh. It’s such a unique time, and it goes by slow and fast at the same time. Also, expect the unexpected because it’s a rollercoaster in the best way.”
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