Students’ Perspectives on ASB

By: Haley Michelson

Redwood’s ASB (Associated Student Body) is a very popular club, especially during events such as Cowhide. A lot of work goes into having a spot in this club and sometimes it is overlooked how students actually perceive being in such an amazing club that hosts cool events for the students and staff at school.

Katelynn Alvarez, a senior this year who has been in ASB now for two years and is spirit coordinator on the executive board as of this year, says she joined ASB because, “(she)loved the class atmosphere…students were always the most upbeat and spirited in that class…I love getting people involved in school spirit and meeting new students.” ASB continues to make Redwood a place that is more positive, which even the students that put the work in are able to see.

Alvarez, 21’, says, “My favorite part of ASB is planning events for the student body…it is ASB’s mission to create an exclusive environment…seeing people from different social groups come together to have fun.” ASB is not just about planning events for students and faculty, much more about the environment plays a role in how well this club pushes through and has fun doing so.

This year is much different than last, for obvious reasons. Alvarez, 21’, says, “Last year ASB was definitely more hands on…the biggest change this year is class communication. We have had to communicate with one another after class a lot more.” ASB plans activities, events, etc, making it overall harder to be able to do this virtually but they are still striving.

Alvarez, 21’, says, “Overall I think that the class has kept their positive spirit and we are super excited to bring these events to the student body virtually.”

ASB is popular among many grades, freshman Keira Bixler says, “I have always been interested in being a leader on campus and showing my Ranger spirit. Redwood’s ASB program is so amazing that I couldn’t imagine not being a part of it.”

A lot of talk for this club revolves around the atmosphere and liking the social aspect of putting events and activities together for the school. Bixler, 24’, says, “I love the opportunity ASB gives me to bring the ideas of others into action and show my crazy Redwood pride even from a virtual setting.”

Bixler adds, “…I love hearing the stories behind each Redwood tradition as we attempt to give them life over zoom.”

Many have different views on why they have joined ASB in the first place, Jackson Marquez a sophomore this year who originally joined last year, says, “I know this may have been a somewhat self centered reason but I felt that I needed to join because I was too introverted and needed to force myself to be more social.”

Marquez, 23’, adds about why he really enjoys being a part of ASB, “ It’s so nice to see that your work contributed to making others happy…for example, cowhide. (after working all day setting it up on the field) once I got to see everyone that night having so much fun it made me quite happy.”

With the school closure due to the pandemic, many struggles were brought to light from many circumstances. Marquez says, “ A lot of (students) are tired of online school and have lost lots of motivation, so asking them to join us in another zoom call isn’t really going to be that fun.” Many things have taken a turn in finding ways to keep students engaged in fun activities that revolve around school, Marquez adds, “ One example being among us activities but after a while that too gets boring. If you or your friends have any ideas for fun activities we would all be glad to hear them.”

The pandemic has hit extremely hard with school, Marquez goes on to say, “ For ASB to truly thrive, we need our campus.”

Some Redwood students have been in ASB all four years of high school, which is the case for senior Camila Garcia, she says, “I did it because I felt so overwhelmed by the many options our campus had to get involved in so I thought ASB would be a good place to start and give me better access to more ways to get involved.” A lot of the main aspects of being in ASB is being able to get involved in the school and share a sense of community.

Garcia, 21’, says, “ I love working hard on something…and when people compliment our work it is an extra plus.” ASB is for the students and the staff, it makes the school environment fun and comfortable which is amazing.

Many have had different views on how the pandemic has affected the overall ‘life’ of ASB, Garcia says, “It is something we have never encountered before. I feel that being in ASB for so long I have seen it all. But this is a whole other challenge we were given.” Being in ASB all four years of high school, Camila sees major changes from being able to know the answers to every question and problem faced though this year it is different, Garcia goes on to say, “…this year has been far from perfect.”

ASB is a place where students go to make others feel more positive about school and events taking place, though this year has been challenging, students in this club are keeping a positive outlook.