By Rachel Nweke

 Before gaining admission into the prestigious Enugu State University Of Science and Technology (ESUT), I have always wished to become the class rep. Immediately I was admitted into the university, I started making moves and asking questions on how to be a class rep. I met with my HOD and the Dean of our Faculty and told them about my plans.

They were impressed at how bold I was and told me the things a class rep does.

I started acting as a class rep in Year one. As an introvert and a very shy person, it was not an easy task for me. It took me lot of courage before I was finally able to address the class without shaking. I have heard tales of being a class rep from my cousin, about how you would be hated by your mates, how you would be held responsible for any misconduct by your course-mates, how you would be known by a lot of lecturers, the constant disrespect and bullying, the post comes with; the hate and envy.

 All these tales did not make me give up on my dreams of being a class representative I. believed I could do it and yesssss, I did it!!

But. There is a saying that uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. I am very conversant with the adage but not the reality as the case is now.

Sometimes it was hard. Sometimes it was easy Ị have cried, Ị have laughed, We’ve argued and we have  made up. I have been misunderstood. I’ve learnt leadership first-hand. So many times, I wanted to give up but my close friends, senior colleagues and few lecturers kept encouraging me.

The accusations, most times unfounded. The name tagging all the time undeserved. The friend that all of a sudden becomes a foe for no reason explainable. But then…

 Being a class rep really helped me come out of my shell. I’ve gotten to know students in different levels and departments through being a class rep, and have interacted with lecturers of high status. It’s been a great experience as it means I have a wide variety of people I can go to and ask questions!

    I love adding value positively wherever I found myself. I love being a ahead, leading and motivating others to achieve a common objective. I love that each time I have something to say, my lecturers always listen to me.

    Class Representative goes through a lot actually. One thing Ị have learnt is, no matter what you do in life, you cannot please everyone. Just do your thing.

On daily basis, students rely on you to confirm and sometimes reconfirm lectures that have been scheduled. Most times, if the confirmation is not fast coming, my phone would be buzzing. My WhatsApp messages and other platforms through which I could be easily communicated would generate heavy traffic. Often times, lecturers make matters worse for you because you would call and text but they would not respond, on time.

When impromptu quiz are done, I become the object of ridicule because my coursemates would assume I had the knowledge but decided to hoard it. “I go explain taya” as we say in Pidgin English

However, the joy that comes with the fact that you are adding value and making impact among your folks is enough motivation.

So the next time you see your class rep, show some reverence. To some extent, they deserve it because the truth of the matter is, It’s not easy.   Looking back now, I noticed I’m no longer really an introvert as compared to how I was before coming to this school. I can now stand a crowd. Though the stage fright is still there, which is natural but not so much as I earlier feared!

I love being a class rep.

Rachel Nweke is the Class Rep of Year Students, Department of Mass Communication, ESUT.