Clout Chasing Culture in Student Leadership

STUDENT leadership involves a notable blend of responsibilities and opportunities that go beyond the mere schedule and goals of a typical student. It is not just about attending classes or participating in school activities, it’s about stepping up to speak, serve, and represent not only fellow students but the entire academic institution.

This level of responsibility can often expose student leaders to different groups of people, leading to popularity. Unfortunately, this popularity can become a motivating factor for some, sparking interest in those who seek the same recognition rather than genuine service.

Being an Actual Student Leader

Photo Courtesy: Lorence Joshua Soto

Lorence Joshua Soto is a 19-year-old dedicated student leader from Marinduque. His seven-year leadership journey began in Grade 7, where he initially desired to fit in and make a name for himself.

“Sa Pampanga, I tried so much to fit in… There’s also a part of me that time to run out of fame din,” he admitted.

Being young, Lorence did not care to know the weight of responsibilities, but there was an undeniable desire to help and serve his community.

Eventually, Lorence lost the desire to be popular and was instead driven by a more meaningful motivation.

As he moved into highschool, Lorence took on more notable roles, serving as the President of the Supreme Student Government (SSG) for two consecutive terms, not to mention that he was still a consistent officer of their school’s SSG at the times he was not the president.

While he was managing all these, he was also holding other responsibilities.

“Nung grade 10 ako, naging Vice-President ako ng aming District here sa Santa Cruz. Pandemic era pa ‘yun kaya challenging mag-work and mag-function ang organization,” he explained.

“Nung grade 11 naman, naging President na ako ng District, then Vice-President ng whole Division of Marinduque,” Lorence added.

Although it already sounds like a lot, his commitment did not stop there. He also became active in scouting and served as Editor-in-Chief of his school’s publication, ‘The Oyster.’

Photo Courtesy: Lorence Joshua Soto

Now in college, Lorence’s dedication to service continues as he holds multiple positions as an active student volunteer, public information officer, president of his class, public relations officer of the MarSU Communication Society, core documentation officer for NSTP-CWTS, and an Editorial Writer of their university’s student publication, ‘Sentro.’

Lorence’s decision to serve as a student leader came from a desire to explore his potential while making a meaningful impact.

“‘Yung aspiration for something better really kicked in within me,” he stated.

He emphasized the importance of commitment, stating, “…If you are willing and passionate to serve, kakayanin mo siya even though you’ll have to sacrifice lots of things or kahit mahihirapan ka.”

Clout Chasing Culture in Student Leadership

Unfortunately, not all students approach leadership with the same dedication. Lorence has encountered many peers who pursue leadership roles for clout rather than a genuine desire to serve.

Some students run for a position, presenting their plans to the student body, only to disappear when they are needed.

“Trixie”, 22, shared her experiences with her co-student leaders who seemed to be only clout chasing.

“…I’ve had these fellow student leaders last year na game na game sa election, genuinely speaking ang gagaling naman nila magsalita, pero nung may pinapagawa na ako as a president of our organization, hindi na nagre-reply o kaya laging busy.”

Trixie believes that a student is well aware of how many responsibilities he can handle, and if he is qualified to do those responsibilities.

“So, pursuing student leadership despite knowing na hindi mo kaya ‘tong responsibilities, in terms of your skills and time, is just clout chasing,” she argued.

This resonates with Lorence’s sentiment, who had a hard time seeking assistance with leadership duties.

“Ending, iilan lang ang nandyan at nahihirapan kayo kasi ‘di mo mahagilap ‘yung iba mong kasama,” he stated, highlighting the inefficiencies that arise when leaders are more focused on their image than their responsibilities.

On the other hand, “Jam”, 22, struggled with her fellow student leaders not because they were always busy, but because they only did things for mere compliance.

“Sumasagot naman sila sa ‘kin (chat), ‘yun nga lang, pag-send sa ‘yo ng pinapagawa mo, parang pinucho-pucho lang (merely completed),” she shared.

This, in turn, still causes inefficiencies as tasks that are done half-heartedly need further enhancement from those who genuinely want to serve the organization, taking longer time to accomplish leadership tasks.

Jam asserted that a lack of extra effort in organizational duties reflects insincere service.

“Ang akin lang, kung ‘di ka willing mag extra effort sa gawain tapos kinakaya mo namang humarap sa students na parang pasan mo lahat, ibig sabihin no’n nandyan ka lang for the recognition at title,” she stated.

These behaviors not only affect the integrity of student organizations but also place a burden on those who are truly committed.

Trixie expressed her frustration saying, “Ang hirap lang, na gusto mong iangat ‘yung organization tapos nahihila lang pababa ng mga kasama (fellow student leaders) mong walang pakialam.”

“Unfair talaga siya (clout chasing). Kasi we compensate for the roles these clout chasers can’t and refuse to take on, tapos we’re extra tired na kasi we did more than we should have. Tapos since mas pagod na kami, medyo poor na ‘yung quality ng ginagawa at performance namin for the org. Tapos regardless, they get the same recognition pa doon sa nag-effort talaga,” she added.

This shows that the effects of clout chasing extend far beyond individual actions. Comparing student leadership to a partnership, Lorence asserted, “Ang pagiging student leader ay sa kaginhawaan at kahirapan. You must be willing to take and accept your role.”

This understanding is important, as student leadership is just like any other life commitment, where everyone is expected to contribute and not leave others hanging.

Real Responsibilities of a Student Leader

Photo Courtesy: Lorence Joshua Soto

Being an actual student leader is far more than just being called “Pres” or enjoying privileges like closeness to faculty members. It involves hard work and dedication.

Lorence’s time as an Editor-in-Chief highlights this reality, as he often found himself juggling multiple roles not only to achieve his personal goals but also the organization’s.

“…I almost became the newspaper itself— I became the layout artist since no one is willing and capable enough to design at the time, also the copyeditor of all the article, became the photojournalist at some degree, wrote majority of articles, and went to school just for the paper and not to study,” he recounted.

These efforts rewarded Lorence and his team a lot of recognition, which he proudly carried with him to the National SPC.

This adds more to the reasons why individuals who engage in their organizational duties half-heartedly are not deserving of the title ‘student leader.’

If someone contributes less than half of what Lorence accomplished, then they fall short of the true essence of leadership – as student leaders are expected to work diligently, juggle multiple tasks, and achieve meaningful results not only for themselves but their organization.

Reflection of Electing Clout Chasers on Students’ Voting Behavior

It may not seem that deep, but the clout-driven leadership raises concerns about how students choose their leaders. Voting for some aspiring student leaders purely based on fame can mirror the alarming trend of supporting celebrity candidates in politics who may have little substance but possess a strong public image.

“Meron ngang iba na nanalo lang dahil sikat kahit sa totoo lang ay walang substance. Nandyan lang sila if the event is already there to expose themselves for others’ attention or tuwing may kasiyahan lamang,” Lorence expressed, talking about some students who win positions simply because they are popular, but lack the necessary commitment and qualities to serve effectively.

Similarly, individuals who run for a position without a genuine desire to serve, merely for fame and recognition, may tolerate political candidates who do the same.

As Lorence puts it, “Truly, it is disappointing when service calls, you’re calling to none.”

Undoubtedly, student leadership is not a joke, nor is it for everyone – just like politics. Recognition should be reserved for those who are truly committed, as true leadership is reflected in the effort and impact one brings to the table. So, if students struggle to choose a leader for their university critically, then it may lead to poor political choices in the future.