Leilani Mack admitted she was unsure of what to expect upon joining Southern Westchester Board of Education as a student member a year ago. Now that she has returned, the Greenburgh resident is eager for the opportunity to expand her knowledge further.

“I want to learn and observe more while also letting other students know that they deserve to have a voice,” said Leilani, a senior in the SWBOCES program at Rochambeau Alternative High School in White Plains.

Leilani joined the Cosmetology program at the Center for Career Services this year after attending Special Services as a junior. While her experience in a variety of SWBOCES programs shapes her perspective, she sees observation as being just as important as advocacy in her board role.

Leilani is one of three student board members offering their perspective this year at SWBOCES monthly meetings.

“It’s been very good for me, but it’s also a little challenging,” she said. “You are there to advocate for students, but you are also there to witness and learn."

Leilani said the experience of working alongside board members and being involved with important conversations has prepared her to better navigate work environments. That has benefited her at her current part-time job, but she anticipates reaping the rewards of those lessons well into the future.

“It has helped me with my vocabulary and also with socialization,” she said. “I think others could benefit from it as well. As a student, you are just not normally involved in this level of discussions.”