Bustling around campus clad in orange and black, a familiar face is present at any and all of San Mateo’s outreach and leadership events. Always there to lend a helping hand stands Rebecca Buss.
Throughout her time at San Mateo, Rebecca has been a member of various programs such as renaissance leadership, ASB- leadership, as well as the club Students in Action, really cementing her place as an influential part of the San Mateo community. Rebecca got into leadership at San Mateo through taking Renaissance leadership as a freshman even though she has participated in leadership roles since the second grade. Rebecca describes her time in Renaissance as, “a perfect class to start out and learn what leadership is really about.” While Rebecca has participated in various leadership-based events, she is the current ASB president and has executed this role exceptionally. Rebecca describes how taking on this role has made her, “a more extroverted and open-minded person,” as well as allowed her to feel connected to the Bearcat community. All these sentiments were graciously supported by Ms. Cowey, the leadership teacher. “Students are always willing to follow her lead because we all see that she is full of integrity, empathy and spirit,” details Cowey, all of these qualities making for an individual who is “so well suited for the role of ASB-President.” Rebecca details some of her most impactful moments throughout her leadership career, the most notable occurring during her junior year position as a UASB representative. “As one of the Student Representatives, I was able to bring a student perspective to the usually all-adult meetings and debate issues such as vaccination requirements,” states Rebecca, making sure students’ ideas are always heard.
But Rebecca doesn’t only shine as a leader, she shines among her peers. Madame Sablich, San Mateo’s French teacher, has had the opportunity to watch Rebecca grow over these years, immediately picking up on Rebecca’s drive. “She was always very focused to reach her goals, she knew what she wanted and how she was going to succeed. She always knew from her French 1 year that she wanted to continue all the way,” this determination of course translated into Rebecca’s natural role as a leader. Post graduation, Rebecca plans to further her education at a four year university. She has certainly left her mark on San Mateo, Madame Sablich detailing how, “She is a true Bearcat, a true ray of sunshine to everyone who meets her.” Ms. Cowey supports these ideas, discussing how “It has been such an honor to have Rebecca over the last four years. I will miss her as will the students and staff.” We all hope to see Rebecca succeed and cannot wait to see the greatness she is sure to achieve.