New President Aims to Lead With Purpose and Impact

Student Feature: Meredith Chow


On the court, netballer Meredith Chow commands attention with her confidence and skill. Off the court, the IBDP Year 5 student-athlete brings the same focus and discipline to her academics, while stepping up as President of the 23rd Student Council. In taking on this leadership role, Meredith reflects on her journey, sharing how her experience at Sports School has shaped her leadership style and vision for the 23rd Student Council Executive Committee (ExCO).

1. Tell us a little more about yourself — what are some interests, hobbies, or traits that people may not know about you?
Outside of school and netball, I enjoy crocheting, singing karaoke, ATV, all sorts of sports like Ice Skating.

2. What inspired you to run for President of the Student Council?
⁠I’ve enjoyed serving and doing council work ever since I became a councillor in Secondary 1. I love how leadership creates opportunities for bonding while allowing us to make meaningful changes in school. Over the years, I’ve grown from a councillor to an EXCO member, then Vice President, and now President, while constantly learning from the student leaders around me and enjoying the journey.

3. Was there a specific moment or experience that made you want to step up as a leader?
⁠I was a prefect in Cantonment Primary School, but it was during my Sports School Orientation Camp that I truly became inspired by leadership. Watching my Orientation Group Leaders lead us while contributing positively and still having fun motivated me to go for the Student Council interview back in Secondary 1.

4. ⁠What is your vision for the Student Council during your term as President?
I hope the Council can continue strengthening school spirit while encouraging students to care for one another and themselves, while also building stronger bonds within the Student Leader community!

5. ⁠What kind of culture or atmosphere do you hope the Student Council will create this year?
⁠I hope the 23rd Student Council can create a more caring yet fun atmosphere in school, where students feel comfortable being themselves, supported by others, and welcomed rather than judged.

6. If you could introduce one change to make school life better for students, what would it be?
I would love to introduce something similar to a “Be Yourself Day” (which I got inspiration from other schools), where students can express themselves more freely and simply enjoy the school experience together. I also hope we can continue exploring more meaningful well-being initiatives, such as having a day with reduced homework so students can truly recharge and rest.

7. ⁠Are there any projects, initiatives, or events that you are especially excited to bring to life?
I’m excited about initiatives that strengthen school spirit and allow students to have fun together, such as something inspired by “Be Yourself Day” from other schools and more interactive school-wide activities.

8. What is the value that you stand by as a leader?
⁠Adaptability. There are often unexpected challenges or last-minute changes, but I believe things can still go smoothly if we learn how to adapt positively and work together!

9. How has being a student-athlete at Singapore Sports School influenced your leadership journey?
Being a student-athlete at Sports School has allowed me to be more immersed in leadership because of our close-knit school environment. It has also given me a different perspective on leadership, as leading fellow student-athletes can be very different from leading in a mainstream setting. Learning the importance of resilience in trainings and classes have also made persevering through tough times in Council easier.

10. Looking ahead, what do you hope people will remember most about your leadership and impact on the school?
⁠I hope people will remember feeling cared for, welcomed, and supported. More than anything, I hope I can make school life just a little more enjoyable and meaningful for everyone!