This month’s National Renaissance Student of the Month is Chloe Burden from Warrior Run Jr Sr High School in Pennsylvania. Nominator Nicole Morgan wrote:
Chloe eats, sleeps, and breathes positive climate and culture in our district. As a group, we take on a lot of things and no matter what is asked of her and what the timeline is, Chloe will do anything and everything she can to make sure that things run smoothly and people feel appreciated in each moment. Chloe runs our school’s pep rallies and she works tirelessly to make sure they are great for all students in the building. Deadlines approach, people back out, but Chloe steps up and does so with the most positive energy. For example, at our last rally, things were not done and it was frustrating, but Chloe still made sure to say ‘You did a great job!’ so that students felt seen, heard, and loved. At times, Chloe will sacrifice giving herself grace and will turn her attention on giving grace to others and showing grace in situations of high pressure. She masks the hardships that come with being someone who works really hard who isn’t always seen by others but never lets that stop her from being the best version of herself to everyone she sees. Chloe is authentically Chloe, regardless of her audience, the event in question, or the day of the week. We love her for the person she is, the way she is towards others, and the grace she brings to our group in order to make our school and community a better place.
What are you involved with at your school?
I am the Social Media Manager for our Student Council, and have been involved since my freshman year. I am the captain of the Lady Defenders Soccer and Basketball team. I also participate in the Spring Musicals and the Fall Play.
What is something you appreciate about your school’s culture?
Something I absolutely love about my schools culture is our genuine connection to our community and to each other. I think that my school does such an amazing job of making sure everyone feels appreciated, and along with that we connect with as many people as possible. One of my favorite things I get to do through STUCO is form connections with our elementary schoolers, and it creates so many connections that become lifelong memories.
What’s a favorite Renaissance moment for you?
My favorite Renaissance moment was at the Jostens Renaissance Global Conference in California, where a bunch of our STUCO members got to travel together and learn together. We came back from the conference ready to make a change, and determined to inspire those around us!
How has Renaissance affected you personally?
Renaissance has given me a space to be myself. I have always been an odd one out for being too enthusiastic, or being too excited for an event, but through Renaissance I finally feel at home. I have never felt more seen, more heard, or more loved than when I’m participating in Renaissance.
What is something that helps you feel Better Than Good?
Something that makes me feel Better Than Good is being my authentic self. There will always be people who judge you, or make fun of you for being yourself, but at the end of the day when I am being my positive self and spreading joy, I feel Better Than Good.
What is something you do to help others feel Better Than Good?
I believe that something people crave is to be seen. I have been through parts of my life where I feel ignored, and it sucks. To help others feel Better Than Good, I believe listening and being empathetic is something that goes a long way. A simple smile, or a pause in your day to listen to a story, can completely shift someone’s day.
What advice would you give to someone who is looking to help others be their best selves?
I tend to work really well under pressure. I always remind myself that it is a privilege to be under pressure, because that means people trust me with it! I try to treat myself with the same grace I give to others, and remind myself to take things one step at a time, and enjoy the process.
Chloe will receive a water bottle and a decal in recognition of her achievement.