How does the scream (painting) portray alienation, confusion, identity etc?

How can I change my identity from "student council president" to someone I want to be?

• Since junior high, I've always been in leadership type roles. I was student council president in the 8th grade, so when I entered high school, I was kind of obliged to be in student council, yearbook, and all sorts of committees and things. I am literally in every committee and club at my school. Sports, arts, etc... and I work really hard for good grades on top of that. The thing is, I am not a leader! I hate speaking in front of people, being in front of people, and I don't really enjoy voicing my opinion. What I really love is painting and playing music and cross country running. I like to be alone most of the time and I like watching movies with my friends and busking on the street. My best friend is an actual leader. She can speak in front of people and has lots of open opinions. We are planned to be co-student council presidents next year, and while I know it will absolutely be very fun, I don't want to be that person anymore. I know that if we are co-presidents, I will always be 2nd to her because I am not a leader! I feel like I am stuck in this role because I almost accidentally took this path in earlier years. I know it will look so good on my university applications, but I don't think it is who I am. I am scared that if I keep this up for even longer, it will trail into my post secondary life and then even further into my future. I don't like it. Finally, my question is, how can I just quit all of these things? How will I break it to my best friend that I don't want to do this anymore? How do I tell my teachers that organize these things? I can't imagine what my life would even be like without doing a lot of stuff, but I think I will like it more. How can I flip my identity from "student council president" to someone I want to be? How can I get people to see me differently?

• Answer:

  Finish out the year with the activities you're in, but don't make any promises for next year. Just do cross country and drop the other sports. As far as student council, you may work out a co-presidency in which your best friend is the "face" of the student council, and you're the "behind the scenes" person.-- someone who she can bounce ideas around with, get suggestions, pitch in with a project when it's necessary. Be fine with being 2nd-- or even invisible as time goes on. Sometimes a leader just needs a person who will encourage them and give a little honest criticism from time to time. If you can accept that role--Tell her. If she can accept it, help get yourselves (your friend) elected, then fade into the background role. People will ask you questions, say they're disappointed, etc. Be ready with your answers: "I just want to do something different for now." "I need to take a break so I can focus more on grades and other interests." "My right brain is feeling a need for more artistic stimulation." Other people can step up to do the leadership and involvement stuff.