A leader who shows up when it counts
“Going through challenges with the RP Student Council EXCO reminded me that setbacks are growth opportunities,” says RP School of Applied Science student Gun Jia You. “Knowing we can rely on one another motivates me to keep giving my best.” 💪
As Vice President of the Student Council's Culture Department, Jia You led almost 200 council members. He oversaw internal operations, department-wide initiatives, and events such as general meetings and Student Council Leadership Trainings. He also worked closely with school committees and staff to plan and run large-scale school events, including the National Day Observance Ceremony and the Orientation Programme Student Leader Training. 📝
“What most people don't realise is the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes,” says the Kranji Secondary School and RP PFP alumnus. “The manpower, the logistics, the countless coordination calls — none of it shows up on the day, but all of it makes the day possible.” 🤝
Beyond team leadership, Jia You made meaningful contributions to the community through well-designed initiatives. He led service-learning visits to Ren Ci Hospital and Active Ageing Centres, introducing structured engagement kits and guiding volunteers to have more meaningful interactions with beneficiaries. His ability to build partnerships with external stakeholders and inspire continued volunteerism reflects a strong commitment to #GreaterImpact . 🌱
Jia You is a Diploma in Biomedical Science student with a passion for biology and healthcare. He hopes to bring the people-first, team-driven approach he built in Student Council to a future in biomedical research. 🎯
Congratulations to Jia You on receiving the RP Student Leader of the Year award at the inaugural RP Inspiring Student Excellence (RISE) Awards! 🏆
Learn more about the awards and this year's recipients at www.rp.edu.sg/student/rise-awards/.
Being part of a large student organization like the RP Student Council requires resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of teamwork. From my experience in similar leadership roles, I know that the key to navigating setbacks effectively lies in open communication and a collective mindset. Like Gun Jia You, I found that the work behind the scenes—logistics, coordination calls, and planning—often goes unnoticed but is essential to creating successful events and meaningful programs. One aspect that stood out in Jia You’s leadership is his integration of service-learning visits with structured engagement kits. This approach not only enhanced volunteer experiences but also deepened their connection with beneficiaries, which is crucial in fostering ongoing volunteerism. I have seen firsthand how such thoughtful engagement materials can transform simple visits into impactful interactions, motivating volunteers to stay committed beyond one-off activities. Moreover, Jia You’s ability to build partnerships with external stakeholders highlights an important skill for any leader looking to create #GreaterImpact. Collaborations broaden the resources and opportunities available, enriching both the council’s projects and the community at large. I have learned that a leader’s role extends beyond internal management; it involves inspiring a shared vision and forging lasting relationships. Finally, Jia You’s passion for biology and healthcare paired with leadership shows how extracurricular experiences can complement academic pursuits, preparing students for future careers. Carrying a people-first, team-driven philosophy from student governance into biomedical research can foster innovation that is both technically sound and socially conscious. For anyone aspiring to lead, Jia You’s journey reminds us that perseverance through challenges, commitment to service, and dedication to teamwork are fundamental qualities that truly count.
