International Student Centre Annual General Meeting
As you may all know, we will be running our annual general meeting on the 21st of March, at 18:30 in the Meadows Lecture Theatre. Anyone is welcome to come, but please note that only those of you who have completed the member's registration before the 31st of January 2013 will be able to vote in this election.
Below are the candidates for each position, we encourage you to read their statements (whether you are or are not eligible to vote) and familiarise yourselves with the candidates as any of these people could be running the International Student Centre next year!
President
Candidate: Adam Michalchuk (first choice)
My name is Adam Michalchuk and I am running for the position of ISC President,
2013-14. I have been involved in the ISC for three years, first as an attendee, then a
member of the events committee and finally as a member of the core-committee, taking
on the role of the events coordinator. During my time at the ISC I have watched the
organisation grow and evolve into an integral part of the university’s international body;
a part I am proud to say I have been, and would like to continue to be, involved in. The
ISC serves as a central point of contact for all students at the University of Edinburgh,
aiming to provide them with life-long memories of their time at the university. As the ISC
body moves forward, the importance of maintaining and improving current
infrastructures and inter-departmental relationships is critical.
During my involvement with the ISC I played a role in establishing large-scale events
such as international desserts night and international evening, assisted in the creation
of the ISC’s original constitution and charter, assisted the trips coordinator in
preparation and running of various trips, managed my own budget working alongside
the treasurer and worked hard to develop connections and working relationships with
many EUSA societies, permanent EUSA staff - including the internationalisation
coordinator - as well as with various staff members at the international office. Through
my experiences to date I have not only obtained an in-depth knowledge of the workings
of all areas of the ISC and its collaborators, but I have also gained invaluable insight
into the strengths and weaknesses both within the ISC itself as well in the ISC’s
relationships other university organisations. Perhaps more importantly, I have had the
opportunity to discuss the ISC’s future with members of the previous ISC core-
committee, as well as with the IO, and thus have an understanding of the challenges
and possible solutions to many of the potential problems the ISC may face as it
continues to grow. If allowed the opportunity to take on the role of the ISC’s president
for the upcoming year, I will continue current trends to strengthen the role of the ISC as
a central point of contact for students in the eyes of the university, and will continue to
work towards developing stronger connections with other organisations that are crucial
to maximising the ISC’s potential: the IO, EUSA as well as other university departments,
such as the School of Chemistry, who are keen to get involved. I have also experienced
first hand the importance of developing camaraderie amongst the volunteers who make
the ISC function, and will thus work to encourage its facilitation.
Given my experience working with events, trips, finances, various outside organisations
including EUSA and the IO, as well as my keen desire to ensure the ISC continues to
offer the best it can for all students at the University of Edinburgh, that I am the
strongest candidate to take on the role of ISC President for 2013-2014.
In the event it is felt that another is more qualified for the position of President, I would
also like to be considered for the role of VP, a second role in which I feel my previous
experience and knowledge would be of great benefit.
Candidate: Andrea Paterlini (first choice)
Hi there, my name is Andrea.
Many of you have likely met me at least once at ISC or on one of our trips but for those that haven't I'm an international student here at the University of Edinburgh.
At the beginning of last semester, when I walked into the ISC for the first time, I didn't really know what to expect. However, all my doubts were immediately swept away after being warmly welcomed by a great and enthusiastic group of volunteers. They immediately introduced me to the community spirit our organization represents: the desire to provide the international students of the university with a meeting point and several other activities to enrich their stay. As you might have guessed, I fell in love with the idea and subsequently joined as a volunteer.
This past year I've been working in the trip committee in particular, organizing the weekend trips that, I'm happy to say, have received very good feedback. I have truly enjoined the company of all my fellow volunteers and gained useful contacts and knowledge. I am now running for presidency, and in second position for trips coordinator, to take my turn to warmly welcome a new generation of volunteers, as it was done to me, and make our ISC even better than what it is already.
I do in fact believe that it's a crucial time. Steps have been taken by the previous core committee in a direction I want to make mine and expand. It's time for the ISC to embark in a more active role within the university. We need to increase the percentage of international students we reach during the semesters. As everybody who hangs around ISC knows, one of the major issues now is that many students are unaware of our existence or unable to find us (our lovely but poorly visible location doesn't help indeed). I will therefore make our case at the international office to look into a more central and easily spottable location. Also advertisement, again in collaboration with the IO, should be a key component of next year. I would really like to suggest the idea of an entire week during the academic year dedicated to internationalization at the university of Edinburgh with the possibility of involving students in several activities (perhaps including our International Dessert night) and talks. I also believe we should integrate more our activities with the other international societies of EUSA. For example, we could ask for their help in the organization of our international nights. This would likely make our dinners more complete and rich.
I can't guarantee anything but I promise I'll do my best, whether elected or not, to help our ISC thrive. So thanks for taking the time to read this, if you are entitled to vote please remember to come to the general meeting on the 21st of March and make your vote count!
Vice President
Candidate: Disi Chen
My name is Disi Chen, and I intend to run for the position of vice president.
I believe the vice president should be someone who knows the workings of the International Student Centre, enough to help promote what we do and who we are to people who may not be as familiar to the ISC as many of you are. Someone who is organised and has a clear understanding of what needs to be done when and where, as well as with whom.
Having been involved with the International Student Centre for two years – one as a lounge volunteer and another as the general secretary I feel that taking on the role as vice president is the next logical step. As the current general secretary I am in contact on a daily basis with current and prospective students via email, who see the International Student Centre as the first point of call for information and student support, even though we are not officially –but why can’t we be?
This year I have seen the International Office and EUSA acknowledge and involve the ISC in many more decision making roles and activities during Fresher’s Week – giving us the perfect opportunity to promote what we do. Having been the International Student’s Welfare Representative in EUSA this year as well, I have been put in contact with other international and non-international reps who show a genuine interest in the ISC, many of these reps are continuing their EUSA roles next year, which means I would have a good network of people to communicate with and help promote the ISC to EUSA’s wide audience. This would also make it easier for me to reignite the flame of the global round table and many more collaborations within the university.
Furthermore as the vice president I would be more than happy to help out with the trips and events committees as I have attended many events and several trips before, and I understand how much work and effort goes into the planning and running of things especially for our major events and weekend trips.
I hope you all consider me for this role in next year’s committee as I am passionate about helping international students achieve the best experience they can in a foreign country with new friends. I myself found my place in the International Student Centre and I hope I can be in the team of people who do that for the new student’s next year!
Candidate: Adam Michalchuk (second choice)
My name is Adam Michalchuk and I am running for the position of ISC President, 2013-14. I have been involved in the ISC for three years, first as an attendee, then a member of the events committee and finally as a member of the core-committee, taking on the role of the events coordinator. During my time at the ISC I have watched the organisation grow and evolve into an integral part of the university’s international body; a part I am proud to say I have been, and would like to continue to be, involved in. The ISC serves as a central point of contact for all students at the University of Edinburgh, aiming to provide them with life-long memories of their time at the university. As the ISC body moves forward, the importance of maintaining and improving current infrastructures and inter-departmental relationships is critical. During my involvement with the ISC I played a role in establishing large-scale events such as international desserts night and international evening, assisted in the creation of the ISC’s original constitution and charter, assisted the trips coordinator in preparation and running of various trips, managed my own budget working alongside the treasurer and worked hard to develop connections and working relationships with many EUSA societies, permanent EUSA staff - including the internationalisation coordinator - as well as with various staff members at the international office. Through my experiences to date I have not only obtained an in-depth knowledge of the workings of all areas of the ISC and its collaborators, but I have also gained invaluable insight into the strengths and weaknesses both within the ISC itself as well in the ISC’s relationships other university organisations. Perhaps more importantly, I have had the opportunity to discuss the ISC’s future with members of the previous ISC core-committee, as well as with the IO, and thus have an understanding of the challenges and possible solutions to many of the potential problems the ISC may face as it continues to grow. If allowed the opportunity to take on the role of the ISC’s president for the upcoming year, I will continue current trends to strengthen the role of the ISC as a central point of contact for students in the eyes of the university, and will continue to work towards developing stronger connections with other organisations that are crucial to maximising the ISC’s potential: the IO, EUSA as well as other university departments, such as the School of Chemistry, who are keen to get involved. I have also experienced first hand the importance of developing camaraderie amongst the volunteers who make the ISC function, and will thus work to encourage its facilitation. Given my experience working with events, trips, finances, various outside organisations including EUSA and the IO, as well as my keen desire to ensure the ISC continues to offer the best it can for all students at the University of Edinburgh, that I am the strongest candidate to take on the role of ISC President for 2013-2014. In the event it is felt that another is more qualified for the position of President, I would also like to be considered for the role of VP, a second role in which I feel my previous experience and knowledge would be of great benefit.
Candidate: Alexia Petri (first choice)
Next year will be the start of my 3d year with the ISC. In first year I was a lounge volunteer and then an events volunteer. This year I chose to have a more involved role by joining the core committee as House Manager. Having spent so much time at the ISC I feel that I know how the lounge is supposed to run and would be able to continue the tradition of smooth sailing. Throughout the year I've helped out with some events and some trips, and as we all became quite close as a committee I feel like I understand everyone's role in it well and would be able to help the next president with that knowledge. Furthermore, as a third year in Law i'll have less classes and would be able to dedicate more time to forging bonds with the other societies and EUSA. I feel that my experience with the ISC would make me the perfect right hand woman to our next president. For those of you that know me, you already know that I’m sociable, motivated, confidant and outgoing, the essential qualities for this position. For those of you who don’t I look forward to getting to know you and proving that I not only posses these qualities but will put them at your service. Lastly, I feel that I would be perfect for the position, as I understand what it entails and am willing and ready to take on that commitment.
Treasurer
Candidate: Pia-Maria Bododea
I, Pia-Maria Bododea, intend to run for the position of Treasurer.
My interest in the ISC began by interacting with friends who told me about the society and then blossomed into my joining and assuming a weekly volunteering position. I know from personal experience how tough it can be to move to a different country to study and really would like to help smooth that transition. Thus, I would love to pass on my personal knowledge in aiding foreign students with their academic and social transition to the University of Edinburgh. Also, I enjoy meeting people with different backgrounds, cultures, and customs and would be grateful for a chance to refine my interpersonal and intercultural skills.
With regard to my qualifications for this post:
Since I am a second year Economics, Finance, and Accounting student, I can honestly say I am able to aptly deal with numbers and accounts. In addition, I have managed the budget for the biggest society in my high school. Finally, I am an approachable, people-person who likes interacting with students from an array of cultural backgrounds.
Thank you for your consideration.
Pia
General Secretary
Candidate: Monika Grigorova (first choice)
Dear ISC members,
I would like to apply for the positions of secretary and publicity secretary at the ISC for the academic session 2013-2014. I have a preference for the secretary position.
I am currently a second year student on a joint degree in Psychology and Linguistics. I have been involved in the ISC as a trips volunteer since the beginning of this year. I am also involved in a number of other activities outside of university. My current positions are: volunteer at the Fast Forward organization which promotes Peer Education in local schools and Volunteer Research Assistant in the University of Edinburgh Psychology Department. However, volunteering at the ISC has been particularly rewarding in that it has given me the feeling of playing a role in the vibrant international atmosphere of our university. On this semester’s trip to Melrose Abbey and Rosslyn Chapel (which was my first trip as a volunteer) I spoke to one girl who was studying at University of Edinburgh for only one semester. She said that the ISC helped her in getting to know Scotland and Edinburgh for the short period that she was here and that without the trips and events by the ISC her experience at our university wouldn’t have been the same. This made me proud to be part of the ISC and I would like to continue to play this part.
During the next academic year I would like to participate in the workings of the ISC and I believe that the positions of secretary or publicity secretary will give me the duties that I would enjoy to have. I want to be part of next year’s team and look into how the centre can expand on its links with national societies (like the University of Edinburgh Bulgarian Society , for example) and attract more people to its trips and events through these societies’ established member base. Working on more joint projects with these national societies (Bulgarian, Romanian, Russian and Estonian are only a few well organized national societies to mention) will allow both the ISC and the societies to benefit. The ISC will gain a larger audience for its trips and events and the national societies will be able to offer their members more information on how to explore Scotland and how to be more involved in the international spirit of the University of Edinburgh.
I also believe that I possess the skills that are needed for holding these positions. As a second year student I have settled into an organized routine of studying and working on outside projects. I also have excellent writing and communication skills which I have gained through my studies of languages and two years of shared courses with students of English language because of my joint degree with linguistics. Most importantly I have the enthusiasm to be part of the team which will run the ISC next
year.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely yours,
Monika Grigorova
Candidate: Elena Perez Fernandez (second choice)
Hello! I am also running for the secretary position in the ISC core committee: I really enjoyed being part of the ISC this semester and would like to take this commitment to a next level. The secretary position is very tempting for me as I will be mainly based at KB next year it would be an easy way for me to stay involved and put all my scientific and organisational skills at the service of the ISC to bring new ideas, make us gain more voice as a society in EUSA and thereby have the power to organize bigger scale events and make you all proud of being part of it!!!
Candidate: Jue Theresa Wang (second choice)
My name is Jue Theresa Wang and I would like to run for the positions of the publicity secretary (1st choice) and the secretary (2nd choice). I started out as a lounge volunteer in my second year and later joined the trips sub-committee as well. I think the ISC is a great student-led organisation to join because people from all over the world who otherwise would have never met can get to know each other here. This alone is already something worth supporting; the themed events and trips to places around Scotland, or just simply, the lounge, set the background for these unexpected meetings.
I want to get more involved in the ISC and contribute to its further progress, as it is has become and will continue being a valuable place for students, where they can gain so many things from. This is why I am running for a committee position.
I am a reliable and dedicated person when it comes to fulfilling my duties which is why I think I would be an asset to the new committee. I also really enjoy teamwork, I am organised and I have very good time management.
[Secretary]
I also think the position of the secretary would suit me. I am good at communicating on various levels and can also fulfill the duties of the secretary well. I am a Chemistry student based down at King's Buildings so and as the secretary I would not have to be around the ISC all the time in order to do a good job – although I would try to be at the ISC as often as possible.
As a secretary, I would ensure that the meeting minutes are neatly and concisely written and forwarded to the rest of the core committee after each meeting. Managing the mail account would be no problem either, as one of the first things I do every time I log onto a computer is opening my mail account. I can easily open the ISC Gmail account at the same time and ensure that incoming mails are dealt with as soon as possible. As I have written mails for the trips sub-committee before, so I know how to deal with various situations but I am also quick to act when it comes to situations I have not encountered before as I can estimate situations very well and can take measures accordingly.
- Jue Theresa Wang
Publicity Secretary
Candidate: Monika Grigorova (second choice)
Dear ISC members,
I would like to apply for the positions of secretary and publicity secretary at the ISC for the
academic session 2013-2014. I have a preference for the secretary position.
I am currently a second year student on a joint degree in Psychology and Linguistics. I have
been involved in the ISC as a trips volunteer since the beginning of this year. I am also involved in a number of other activities outside of university. My current positions are: volunteer at the Fast Forward organization which promotes Peer Education in local schools and Volunteer Research Assistant in the University of Edinburgh Psychology Department. However, volunteering at the ISC has been particularly rewarding in that it has given me the feeling of playing a role in the vibrant international atmosphere of our university. On this semester’s trip to Melrose Abbey and Rosslyn Chapel (which was my first trip as a volunteer) I spoke to one girl who was studying at University of Edinburgh for only one semester. She said that the ISC helped her in getting to know Scotland and Edinburgh for the short period that she was here and that without the trips and events by the ISC her experience at our university wouldn’t have been the same. This made me proud to be part of the ISC and I would like to continue to play this part.
During the next academic year I would like to participate in the workings of the ISC and I believe that the positions of secretary or publicity secretary will give me the duties that I would enjoy to have. I want to be part of next year’s team and look into how the centre can expand on its links with national societies (like the University of Edinburgh Bulgarian Society , for example) and attract more people to its trips and events through these societies’ established member base. Working on more joint projects with these national societies (Bulgarian, Romanian, Russian and Estonian are only a few well organized national societies to mention) will allow both the ISC and the societies to benefit. The ISC will gain a larger audience for its trips and events and the national societies will be able to offer their members more information on how to explore Scotland and how to be more involved in the international spirit of the University of Edinburgh.
I also believe that I possess the skills that are needed for holding these positions. As a second year student I have settled into an organized routine of studying and working on outside projects. I also have excellent writing and communication skills which I have gained through my studies of languages and two years of shared courses with students of English language because of my joint degree with linguistics. Most importantly I have the enthusiasm to be part of the team which will run the ISC next
year.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely yours,
Monika Grigorova
Candidate: Danny Tai (first choice)
Dear fellow students,
My name is Danny Tai. I am originally from Hong Kong. Currently I am a third year
student majoring in Business Studies. I have been helping out in the ISC since my second
year here. At the moment I serve as Lounge volunteer, responsible to keep things in
order in the lounge and making sure hot coffee never runs out (Jokes!). In addition, I am
currently part of the trip sub-committee, some of you may recognise my face if you have
been to any of the weekend trips before. I find it very worthwhile to contribute myself to
make your student experience more fun and exciting in Edinburgh!
I strongly believe that it is crucial to let more students (both international and domestic)
to be aware of the existence of the ISC. I am ready to take on role of publicity Secretary,
to advertise and introduce more people to the ISC. My experience of making posters and
flyers for promotion of trips definitely help me to fulfill this role to the highest standard.
Afterall, it's more fun to get more people involved in the ISC, isn't it?!?!?
Hope you will vote for me this upcoming Thursday! Thanks so much in advance!!!
Candidate: Jue Theresa Wang (first choice)
My name is Jue Theresa Wang and I would like to run for the positions of the publicity secretary (1st choice) and the secretary (2nd choice). I started out as a lounge volunteer in my second year and later joined the trips sub-committee as well. I think the ISC is a great student-led organisation to join because people from all over the world who otherwise would have never met can get to know each other here. This alone is already something worth supporting; the themed events and trips to places around Scotland, or just simply, the lounge, set the background for these unexpected meetings.
I want to get more involved in the ISC and contribute to its further progress, as it is has become and will continue being a valuable place for students, where they can gain so many things from. This is why I am running for a committee position.
I am a reliable and dedicated person when it comes to fulfilling my duties which is why I think I would be an asset to the new committee. I also really enjoy teamwork, I am organised and I have very good time management.
[Publicity Secretary]
I would like to run for the position of the publicity secretary because I want to maintain the image the ISC already has and increase awareness of the ISC among students. I think I would do a good job advertising the ISC in general and the events by coming up with creative posts and communicating through various ways, like posters, facebook posts, website updates and twitter updates.
Being the publicity secretary means keeping everything up to date every week and I think I am good at keeping up a regular work pattern. Also, as the publicity secretary, I would also like to work closely with both trips and events sub-committee and offer my help whenever they need it so that we can make this next year as enjoyable and eventful as possible.
- Jue Theresa Wang
Trips Coordinator
Candidate: Cristina-Adriana Alexandru
My name is Cristina-Adriana Alexandru, I am a PhD student in the School of Informatics, and I would like to apply for the Trips Coordinator position with the ISC. I have been part of the Trips Committee team for the last 2 years and I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment! I have helped with all of the stages of organisation of trips from proposal, planning and preparation of flyers and posters to the booking of attractions, guiding of students and coordination with the rest of the team during the trip itself. I have met many interesting people who share my passion for travelling, and gained valuable life experience.
I am quite passionate about travelling and since I arrived in Edinburgh 4 years ago I have strived to explore as much of Scotland as I could. Scotland is an incredibly beautiful country and I strongly believe that any student coming to Edinburgh University should take a break to contemplate its dramatic scenery, majestic castles and also have fun during its many
events! I am quite enthusiastic about showing to people what Scotland is all about and sharing with them my knowledge about its places and people.
Even when going on trips with my friends, I always enjoy getting everybody together, seeking information about places to see and planning the trips such that we manage to see places that we would all love in good time. I am friendly and easy going and, aspiring for a teaching position, I enjoy helping and inspiring people.
During the time spent with the ISC Trips Committee, I gained a good understanding of how it all works and how it could be improved. As a trips coordinator, I would like to help our team improve on the following points:
- update the schedule such that it better fits the different study periods (more active trips at the beginning of the term, more relaxing ones during main coursework submission weeks)
- ‘spice up’ the schedule with fun-related or sporty
trips (e.g. Go Ape, Deep Sea World, the Falkirk Wheel)
- give students opportunities to vote for the order of trips or destinations on Facebook where there are several opportunities
- provide more information about the locations to be visited both before the trip through the posters and event descriptions, as well as during the trips through clearer flyers (better maps, info on places to eat and what to take with them- e.g. walking boots, umbrella if bad weather announced, food if no places to eat)
- focus on attracting students through
better-informed and more attractive (fun!) advertising in coordination with the publicity team
- develop evaluation questionnaires such that students could give us feedback both after each trip and later in the year
- organising contests and events during trips (e.g. photography, orientation)
- creating a filing method such that experience from previous years could be stored for next ones
- rewarding volunteers who contribute very much with free trips where they do not need to act as guides
- early booking for all of the trips (2-3 weeks in advance) to avoid organisational problems
- making small profits from cheap trips to fund more expensive ones
- organising 2 weekend trips on each semester
- better coordination within the team through a clearly defined structure of online
communication channels
Candidate: Andrea Paterlini (second choice)
Hi there, my name is Andrea.
Many of you have likely met me at least once at ISC or on one of our trips but for those that haven't I'm an international student here at the University of Edinburgh.
At the beginning of last semester, when I walked into the ISC for the first time, I didn't really know what to expect. However, all my doubts were immediately swept away after being warmly welcomed by a great and enthusiastic group of volunteers. They immediately introduced me to the community spirit our organization represents: the desire to provide the international students of the university with a meeting point and several other activities to enrich their stay. As you might have guessed, I fell in love with the idea and subsequently joined as a volunteer.
This past year I've been working in the trip committee in particular, organizing the weekend trips that, I'm happy to say, have received very good feedback. I have truly enjoined the company of all my fellow volunteers and gained useful contacts and knowledge. I am now running for presidency, and in second position for trips coordinator, to take my turn to warmly welcome a new generation of volunteers, as it was done to me, and make our ISC even better than what it is already.
I do in fact believe that it's a crucial time. Steps have been taken by the previous core committee in a direction I want to make mine and expand. It's time for the ISC to embark in a more active role within the university. We need to increase the percentage of international students we reach during the semesters. As everybody who hangs around ISC knows, one of the major issues now is that many students are unaware of our existence or unable to find us (our lovely but poorly visible location doesn't help indeed). I will therefore make our case at the international office to look into a more central and easily spottable location. Also advertisement, again in collaboration with the IO, should be a key component of next year. I would really like to suggest the idea of an entire week during the academic year dedicated to internationalization at the university of Edinburgh with the possibility of involving students in several activities (perhaps including our International Dessert night) and talks. I also believe we should integrate more our activities with the other international societies of EUSA. For example, we could ask for their help in the organization of our international nights. This would likely make our dinners more complete and rich.
I can't guarantee anything but I promise I'll do my best, whether elected or not, to help our ISC thrive. So thanks for taking the time to read this, if you are entitled to vote please remember to come to the general meeting on the 21st of March and make your vote count!
Events Coordinator
Candidate: Elena Perez Fernandez (first choice)
Hello! I am running for the events coordinator position for next year. I have been involved in the events and lounge volunteering teams since January and -even if recent- my experience in the ISC was quite intense: I have been fulfilling 2 shifts/week in the lounge and organised the tasty Galician night (which those who attended won't easily forget!). I think I could bring to the core committee team some fresh enthusiasm and motivation. If elected I will put all my commitment and dedication to offer you epic and unforgettable nights.
Candidate: Snezhana Savova
My name is Snezhana Savova and I would like to run for the position of Events Coordinator in the Core Committee of The International Student Centre (ISC) for the session 2013/2014.
I am currently involved in the ISC as volunteer in the Trips Committee and I am looking forward to continuing my work within the centre. However, I would like to take on more responsible duties and be part of the Core Committee of the ISC. I am running for the position of Events Coordinator because I believe it will allow me to meet more people coming from different countries. Additionally, I will actually be able to get in touch with the big variety of cultures and learn more about them. This will be highly beneficial for me as I will broaden my horizons significantly.
At present, I am in my second year, studying Psychology with Business Studies. I am
more interested in the area of Occupational Psychology, or namely Organization Studies, Employment Relations and the behavior of people within the workplace. The skills and
knowledge I have gained so far have enabled me to understand people better. Moreover, I have very good communication skills, both verbal and written. Also, I am very sociable, outgoing and confident in leading people. In my opinion, this will allow me to fulfill all my duties responsibly and effectively.
To conclude, I believe I will be a good member of the ISC Committee and will contribute
with everything I can for the persistence of its good reputation and attractiveness to foreign
students. Furthermore, I will do my best to make it even better and help its development in the future.
Candidate: Ahnjili Zhuparris (second choice)
There’s nothing I do more efficiently and enthusiastically than event planning. I believe that I would be suitable for the events coordinator as I am reliable, organized, and time efficient. Even under pressure, I find that event planning is energizing and exciting rather than stressful. This is because I am perceptive, innovative, and more than capable of clearly communicating a message to large and diverse body of people.
Lounge/Social Coordinator
Candidate: Mila Daskalova (first choice)
As I believe that the ISC is one of the best projects running in the University of Edinburgh
and for that reason I have been dedicating a significant part of my time to it this year, I would like to get more involved by becoming a member of the Core Committee. The two positions I would like to run for are Lounge Coordinator/Social Coordinator and House Keeper, with priority given to the first one.
The position of Lounge Coordinator/Social Coordinator requires equal amounts of
leadership and organizational skills and sociability. In the past, I have taken a leadership position as a captain of a sports team, so I believe that I have the needed skills to motivate people to perform better and to work as a team. At the same time, I know how to maintain discipline without being too commanding, which is quite useful knowledge, since friendliness, approachability and understanding are more effective approaches when one works with people. As a Lounge Coordinator/Social Coordinator, I will do my best to organize the lounge shifts in such a way that each volunteer is assigned the time that is most convenient to him or her. I will keep the tradition of the Volunteer Party at the end of each term, and I will try to introduce a reward system in which the volunteers, on arrival to their shifts, will receive little treats (e.g. cookies or sweets) for their diligence and dedication to the society.
If I happen to be elected for a House Keeper, I will take care that the supplies for the weekly Coffee Evenings are always replenished. Whenever possible, I will bring home-made cakes and cookies. Moreover, I think that it would be nice to have a wider variety of tea in the lounge, so I will take care to provide a greater choice.
To keep it short, if I get elected for a member of the Core Committee, I will do my best
to go above and beyond my duty in order to improve the volunteering system of the ISC, be it by baking cookies or simply by being around to help and make people feel welcome no matter how far from home they are.
Candidate: Alexia Petri (second choice)
Next year will be the start of my 3d year with the ISC. In first year I was a lounge volunteer and then an events volunteer. This year I chose to have a more involved role by joining the core committee as House Manager. Having spent so much time at the ISC I feel that I know how the lounge is supposed to run and would be able to continue the tradition of smooth sailing. Furthermore, I love meeting new people and introducing them to the ISC and as such I feel I would be able to recruit the volunteers needed to keep the lounge running. I've worked closely with Jois, our current Lounge Coordinator, as both our positions required us to be in the lounge and interact with volunteers, as such I feel it would be easy for me to pick up where she left off. For those of you that know me, you already know that I’m sociable, motivated, confidant and outgoing, the essential qualities for this position. For those of you who don’t I look forward to getting to know you and proving that I not only posses these qualities but will put them at your service. Lastly, I feel that I would be perfect for the position, as I understand what it entails and am willing and ready to take on that commitment.
Candidate: Ahnjili Zhuparris (first choice)
Getting people enthusiastically involved in any activity is a true passion of mine. I like to do so by connecting, engaging and communicating with large and diverse bodies of people at any one time. I am consistently charismatic, positive and energetic as I am motivated, confident and organized. I believe by making people feel relaxed, comfortable and needed; it is easier to gather a larger group of positive, outgoing and reliable group of volunteers. Even under the most difficult of situations I have no problem expressing, negotiating and clarifying to the volunteer what is needed of them. I can easily promise that I would make my volunteers feel worthwhile, engaging and vital for the foundations of the ISC.
House Manager
Candidate: Mila Daskalova (second choice)
As I believe that the ISC is one of the best projects running in the University of Edinburgh
and for that reason I have been dedicating a significant part of my time to it this year, I would like to get more involved by becoming a member of the Core Committee. The two positions I would like to run for are Lounge Coordinator/Social Coordinator and House Keeper, with priority given to the first one.
The position of Lounge Coordinator/Social Coordinator requires equal amounts of
leadership and organizational skills and sociability. In the past, I have taken a leadership position as a captain of a sports team, so I believe that I have the needed skills to motivate people to perform better and to work as a team. At the same time, I know how to maintain discipline without being too commanding, which is quite useful knowledge, since friendliness, approachability and understanding are more effective approaches when one works with people. As a Lounge Coordinator/Social Coordinator, I will do my best to organize the lounge shifts in such a way that each volunteer is assigned the time that is most convenient to him or her. I will keep the tradition of the Volunteer Party at the end of each term, and I will try to introduce a reward system in which the volunteers, on arrival to their shifts, will receive little treats (e.g. cookies or sweets) for their diligence and dedication to the society.
If I happen to be elected for a House Keeper, I will take care that the supplies for the weekly Coffee Evenings are always replenished. Whenever possible, I will bring home-made cakes and cookies. Moreover, I think that it would be nice to have a wider variety of tea in the lounge, so I will take care to provide a greater choice.
To keep it short, if I get elected for a member of the Core Committee, I will do my best
to go above and beyond my duty in order to improve the volunteering system of the ISC, be it by baking cookies or simply by being around to help and make people feel welcome no matter how far from home they are.
Candidate: Angelique Moseley
Just last week, I walked into the ISC and joined a friend – Chris – at the radiator to commiserate over a cold. A few minutes thereafter, another regular came in with a bag of lemons and honey, and made us each a get-better drink. I think this is the kind of spontaneous and generous personality that defines the ISC.
When I first discovered this attitude in my first year, after being talked into the place by Alexia, (our current house manager) I found a group of like-minded, international, and low key people for the first time in my life. Since then, I’ve contributed as a volunteer, but the more time I’ve spent in this lounge, the more I want to get involved.
Being the house manager is demanding – it calls for a person doing work up front with volunteers and visitors, as well as behind the scene. With all that goes on around here, there is so much that regulars and curious young’uns can take for granted. I’m running for House Manager to carry over that positive energy and open environment. When so many of our familiar faces are heading out for their own year of exchange, I’d like to help hold the fort and energise new members. I would thoroughly enjoy the challenge of being accountable for this casual and up-to-speed home away from home. Thank you.
Candidate: Danny Tai (second choice)
Dear fellow students,
My name is Danny Tai. I am originally from Hong Kong. Currently I am a third year
student majoring in Business Studies. I have been helping out in the ISC since my second
year here. At the moment I serve as Lounge volunteer, responsible to keep things in
order in the lounge and making sure hot coffee never runs out (Jokes!). In addition, I am
currently part of the trip sub-committee, some of you may recognise my face if you have
been to any of the weekend trips before. I find it very worthwhile to contribute myself to
make your student experience more fun and exciting in Edinburgh!
I am committed to make sure the ISC longe would be as tidy as possible. So you guys
can study and relax in a pleasant environment in between lectures. Also, I will make sure
there are going to be adequate supply of beverage (non alcoholic only I am afraid, haha)/
biscuits for the lounge, as well as during the coffee evening.
Hope you will vote for me this upcoming Thursday! Thanks so much in advance!!!
