They don't do class presidents in college, but you could become leader in a club; but like you said it's hard to elected when you're new. However, outside of college you can lead in boy/girl/cub scouts as an adult or at a boys and girls club. None of those positions require election.
I was participating in self-defense martial arts during my junior year. Over the summer I stopped because I was really busy. Now that the school year has started again, I don't want to continue training, but I have submitted my activities record on my portal with it listed as 12th grade...