Abstract
The main objective of this qualitative study was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the experiences of elementary student leaders: president, vice president and secretary. Using purposive sampling and inclusion criteria, the participating fourteen elementary student leaders from five elementary schools in Asuncion District were identified. Seven (7) of them participated in the in-depth interview and another seven (7) participated in the focus group discussion. Results revealed the experiences of the participants: considering the essential traits and duties of student-leaders, humility in leadership, difficulty in balancing leadership responsibility and academics and embracing the responsibilities wholeheartedly. In response to the challenges they have encountered, they deemed the following coping strategies essential: establishing collaboration with others, creating a support system and lastly keeping oneself motivated. Upon reflecting on their entire experience, they arrived at the following insights: must possess various leadership abilities, leadership empowers communication and confidence and lastly effective time management and prioritization in leadership. Although it might be difficult for elementary student leaders in the Asuncion district to juggle their leadership responsibilities with social and academic obligations, these experiences are crucial for their development as leaders and as people. Schools should encourage these young leaders by offering mentorship programs and formal training that enable them to successfully handle these obstacles. The results of this study were deemed significant by the participants, teachers, parents, students and researchers.
