This Year’s SMOB Is Ready for the Next Step

May 8th, 2018

River Hill High School senior Anna Selbrede followed her calling to serve her fellow students and larger community when she took on the role of this year’s HCPSS Student Member of the Board (SMOB). A compassionate student leader always looking to best represent every student in the county, Selbrede embodies her personal mantra, “Good isn’t a thing you are. It’s a thing you do.”

As graduation approaches, Selbrede looks back on her very active involvement in Howard County public schools as well as ahead toward a bright future of continued public service.

What are some highlights from your year as SMOB?

I’ve gotten to visit many schools for different events, but some of my favorites are teaching Social Studies classes at Patuxent Valley Middle School, holding hands around Longfellow Elementary School with all of the staff and students, and hosting a “Speaking to the SMOB” workshop at Long Reach High School. I’ve also enjoyed getting to know the leadership in the county while also meeting so many students at all levels and from all areas.

Looking back at your time at HCPSS, what are you most proud of?

In response to the shootings around the nation and the student walkouts that were taking place, I drafted and successfully moved forward a resolution in the Board of Education that supported student walkouts and stronger efforts for gun safety and security in schools. I was able to work quickly to make this happen, and I am one of the first SMOBs in Howard County to propose a resolution like this.

What are some of your favorite memories at HCPSS?

Almost every single school visit I made during my SMOB campaign. All of the students I met were incredible and funny and interesting, and I gained so much energy from speaking to them and learning from them. I have also made some special friends over my years in HCPSS, and I am privileged to have found them.

What’s the most important lesson you learned as a student?

That you will do better in the class if you enjoy it. I always find the parts of the content I enjoy to motivate myself to be interested in whatever class I’m taking. Then I put more effort into the work and do better and learn more as a result.

What was your favorite subject(s) in school?

I like everything, but recently I have had the most fun in English and calculus. They’re very different, but both make sense to me. I like figuring things out and finding connections.

What other extracurricular activities did you participate in, besides your role as SMOB?

I ran varsity cross country for the past three years, and I have been involved in student government and Model United Nations for all of high school. I also have had a lot of fun in my school’s acapella group “Hawkapella,” and I regularly volunteer through the Western Horizon Council.

What are your college and career plans?

I’m going to the University of Chicago to study public policy. I might go to law school after that or get a master’s in policy as well. Regardless, I know I want to run for public office.

As you’re getting ready to graduate, what are you most excited about?

I’m excited for college and getting to do something completely new in a new place. I’m also looking forward to a more relaxing summer before I go back to the hard work of school.