Rahman Elected First Two-Time Mayor

Rahman was also the first ever junior mayor. Photo Credit: Jonathan Li

By SAMANTHA FLANNERY

Ladies and gentlemen, she’s done it again. For the first time in history, Midwood has elected a two-term mayor, Tanisa Rahman ’20.

Last year, Rahman made history by becoming Midwood’s first-ever junior mayor. This time around, being elected a second time was such a shock that Rahman had trouble processing it.

“I was surprised,” Rahman said. “When the second year came around, I couldn’t fathom that I was elected once again until I started outlining the new year.”

Rahman is prepared to take on this challenge and is more ready than ever.

“Plans and layouts for events and other ideas came easier for me [this time] because I was more confident in what I was doing since I had already done it once before,” she said. 

This confidence has spread to her fellow student council members. Senior President Jonathan Li ’20 expressed his support for Rahman’s re-election. 

“To us, she’s not only a MOM (Mayor of Midwood), but she is the glue that holds all of us together,” Li said. “Having her as a leader made me a better person.” 

Li isn't the only person who has grown personally through participation in student government. Rahman said that she herself has “grown immensely in the past year.”

“I feel the weight of responsibility even more now,” said Rahman. “It can be tough sometimes because I want to be a good role model. I want to be someone you can trust and someone who is knowledgeable enough to help you.”

Comptroller Zyhra Casero ’20 referred to Rahman as a natural leader. “She makes sure everyone stays on task and performing to the best of their ability,” she said.

A benefit of having Rahman as mayor for two years in a row is that the transition into the new year is smoother. 

Casero said, “Having her as mayor for two years definitely strengthened and motivated the group to be consistent and cooperative.”

Most of last year’s council members got reelected.

“We continue to bounce ideas off each other towards making the school a better place,” Li said.

One of Rahman’s favorite parts of being a part of the student government is “having people trust us to do our best and build on something rather than expecting us to devise the ultimate resolution.”

Rahman wants the school community to know that she is still just Tanisa.

“I want my peers to know that the freshman in me is still excited to be friends with literally anyone and everyone,” said Rahman. “My motto is ‘If you’re kind, that’s more than enough to impress me.’”