We have chosen "One Step Forward" as the title of this publication.
The phrase is derived from "One Step Forward, Two Steps Back", a work by the revolutionary Vladimir Lenin, who is widely known as one of the founders of the Soviet state. In that book, Lenin argued that even within the same political party dedicated to overthrowing the Russian Empire, any movement that departed from what he regarded as the correct socialist line constituted a "step backward." He criticised such tendencies relentlessly, framing political developments in a strict dichotomy: either progress or retreat. Even among those who shared the same socialist ideals, he left little room for disagreement.
We, however, have deliberately adopted only the words "One Step Forward".
The reason is simple. If every disagreement, hesitation, or pause is dismissed as a "step backward," then independent thinking itself begins to shrink. Differences of opinion and the process of making difficult choices are not signs of failure. On the contrary, they are an essential part of thoughtful decision-making.
The Student Council President and Vice President derive their legitimacy from the votes of the student body. At the same time, they must carry out their responsibilities within the realities of school life—working alongside faculty and staff, operating under established regulations, and making decisions within a limited budget. For that reason, what matters most is not whether every campaign promise is fulfilled exactly as proposed, but how compromises are reached, which principles are preserved, and why particular decisions are made.
The Student Council Executive Board hopes that this publication will encourage greater interest in student government and foster thoughtful discussion about both the strengths and the challenges of our school. This is especially meaningful for third-year students, who will soon graduate. How we understand our school and how we choose to engage with it are questions that concern us all.
To us, "One Step Forward" does not mean following someone else's ideology. It means thinking for ourselves, making our own judgments, and continuing to move forward through informed choices.
We hope this publication will become a place where that first step can begin.