By Adam Peng ’17, Sports Editor
Leadership means a lot in our community, and every leader has their own methods for success with their teammates and classmates. For some people, an ideal leader may be like an amiable brother, always nice to everybody. For others, an ideal leader may be a harsh and picky perfectionist. So what makes an outstanding leader both athletically and academically? I interviewed Honor Council and Model UN President, Boys’ Varsity Soccer Team Captain, and peer mentor Soham Basu for an answer.
Adam (A): As we know, you are the captain of our soccer team, do you have the sign on your shoulder in games? What does that mean to you?
S: Oh, yeah, that really meant a lot to me. I felt I was representing my teammates and our whole team. It definitely encouraged me a lot to lead my teammates and play hard.
A: So how were you chosen to be the captain of the team?
S: I was picked by my teammates. Our senior friends have a very close bond. They know that I know the game very well, I have been playing for a long time, and they know how much it means to me. Many thanks to them that they trust me a lot.
A: Do you have a favorite soccer captain?
S: Yeah, Eden Hazard from Chelsea.
A: If you could [say] something to your teammates, what would that be?
S: Well, just get hyped before the game, keep everyone calm, and focus on little things, little details in the game. Figure out what we should really do and we will get to work.
A: Yeah, definitely. Let’s talk about Honor Council, why did you choose to compete for this position instead of any other position like in Student Council? How does your work interest you?
S: Yeah, that is a really good question. I think what I like about it is that there is not a different level between student and teacher members of Honor Council. We are treated as peers when we are working with the faculty, they don’t get any more to say than we do in this community you know. We are equal on each case. We are all fighting for [the student’s] perspective.
A: What do you think is the most important thing for a leader to be successful?
S: Remembering that although you are a leader, it doesn’t mean you have leadership over everybody, because it is everyone who is contributing to this community. A leader can never do all the work on a team without others’ help, so always remember to appreciate people’s contributions.
A: Could you give me three words to describe the most important part of leadership?
S: Well…
*He paused for a few seconds*
S: Perspective, initiative and respect.
A: As you are also a peer mentor this year, how does it feel to spend your time with freshmen? Do you feel your peer mentoring class has some special meaning compared to others’?
S: Yeah, yeah, we learned a lot, we had a lot of fun, played games together, and they are very energetic. I mean it only has been 3 weeks and we have already bonded a lot. I am sure we will get along well as this year continues.
A: Thank you for taking this interview, Soham. Have a good day!
S: Thank you!
Throughout our talk, I deeply felt Soham’s passion for leadership, and how he hoped to get along with friends, peers, teammates, and faculty members. It is hard to be a good leader all the time, but Soham is a great example of how to do so. I sincerely hope he has a wonderful senior year and can become an even better leader in the future.
