Candidate Statement
Dear Peddie,
Hi everyone! If you don’t know me, I’m Rayan Khan, a junior boarder from Saudi Arabia and I am running for Co-President.
Throughout my time at Peddie, I have witnessed the incredible potential within our diverse student body. But at the same time I have seen that potential be somewhat wasted. I believe that by fostering unity, encouraging collaboration, and amplifying the voices of all students, we can create anenvironment where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed.
My platform focuses on three key pillars:
Prioritizing Mental Health and Well-being: Mental health is the foundation of a thriving community and is something a lot of us are forced to neglect. The reasons for this can vary from the stigma
surrounding counseling or our incredibly rigorous schedules. But it is something that needs to change.
Optimizing a New Schedule for More Productive Free Time: The introduction of a new schedule presents a unique opportunity to take control of our collective experiences at Peddie. Time is something not a lot of us have. This new schedule offers more of that.
Inclusivity and Diversity: Peddie gives a lot of importance to DEI and I want to continue that. I believe our DEI days are wonderfully put together and offer lots of valuable insights. But they are not perfect. As always, continuing to gather honest student feedback to further improve our DEI efforts is a big part of my plans as Co-President
I am running to be a dedicated advocate for each and every student. My leadership style is collaborative, open-minded, and driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact on our
collective experience. As one of your Co-Presidents, I will continue to be your voice, your friend and your teammate whether it’s on stage, in the dorm or just around campus. I promise to be the best leader I can possibly be because you deserve it.
Thank you for your consideration,
Ala Viva!
Sincerely,
Rayan Khan
Governing student council and the school will take a good portion of your time, what other activities both in and out of school do you plan on participating in? How will you balance them?
As a candidate for Co-President, I understand the importance of having a good sense of balance between leadership responsibilities and the other aspects of my life. My involvement
in theatre and in STUCO for the past two years has equipped me with strong organizational and time-management skills required for the task. I am dedicated to ensuring that my
commitment to the role of Co-President will not only complement but enhance my engagement in the community. I hope to become more involved in various student groups on campus to help foster a well-rounded environment for all students as well as show up to various sporting events if my schedule allows it. Not only that but I hope to continue my work in community service. I believe that a diverse range of interests contributes to a richer school culture, and I am committed to actively bridging the gap between leadership and extracurricular involvement.
What qualities do you possess that makes you a good role model and representative that will allow you to be a leader of the entire school?
My leadership qualities are a combination of essential qualities that I believe make a positive impact on a community. One of my key strengths is my attentive and empathetic nature,
which makes me a great listener. I recognize the importance of understanding other people’s perspectives, and I actively seek input from others to make educated and fair decisions.
Additionally, effective communication is at the core of my leadership approach. Whether explaining a plan, delegating tasks, or resolving conflicts, I prioritize clarity and openness to ensure everyone is on the same page. Lastly, I embrace change with a positive outlook. I see challenges as opportunities for growth in order to foster an environment where adaptation and improvement are embraced. Through these qualities, I aim to not only lead but to inspire and empower those around me, creating a collaborative and forward-thinking community.
Q & A
What are some clubs, activities, teams, or groups that you’re a part of on campus?
I am a member of the Peddie Film Club and the Coffee Club in addition to being a member of the Student Council. I’ve been a part of the Cross Country team, The Rowing Team, and I currently spend a lot of time in the various theatrical productions at Peddie.
What is your favorite Peddie tradition/Peddie memory?
My favorite Peddie memory is probably my experience in the Freshman Musical, James and The Giant Peach. And my favorite Peddie tradition is probably Blair Day Chapel.
What are some things you like to do in your free time?
I like to play guitar, watch movies, and read!
Favorite book/movie/tv show?
My favorite book is The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut, my favorite movie is Call Me By Your Name, and my favorite tv show is Arrested Development.
What songs have you been listening to most right now?
I’ve been listening to a lot of Fleetwood Mac and Wallows. Specifically the songs in “Tango in the Night” and “Nothing Happens”
Share a fun fact about yourself!
The first film I ever made was a Star Wars fan film!