On Tuesday 19th April, Ghsl hosted the launch of its new executive board for 2016-2017 between 5pm and 7pm at KSU Common Room.
Each member presented a brief outline of their goals for this term as well as their plan towards achieving them.
The event was sponsored by Farsons and James Catering, whilst Ghsl also exntded a special thanks to their Legal Partner, Fenech and Fenech Advocates Malta, and to The Institute of Legal Studies.
GħSL President – Jacob Portelli
“This is my third year of involvement in the GhSL Executive Board. I have occupied the role of Events Officer, then moved on to the Public Relations Office and I now occupy the role of President of the organisation.
I have experienced and seen the organisation in each and every aspect. Personally, GhSL has been present from the very first day and has helped me adjust to university life. It is this factor, together with the continuous support and involvement of law students, that has given me the energy and determination to continue working, improving, reaching new heights and become ever more present and relevant to Law students.”
Vice President – Charles Mercieca
“This year shall be a challenging year as Vice President of the organisation. Besides it being a new role with new horizons to push, it is a critical role vis-a-vis the executive as a team. The role shall be focusing on three main areas; namely sponsorships, coordination and ensuring that the team functions together and reaches its full potential.
The office of Vice President along with that of the Ppresident and the Secretary General shall be working around the clock to make sure that the students get the GhSL that they trust each year. Ultimately, Maltese law students deserve a Maltese Law Student Association that represents them and works with them. That is what GhSL stands for.”
Brandon Meli – GhSL Secretary General
“Throughout the years, I have kept myself involved in various sub-committees on campus, namely GhSL’s Website Renovation Committee, KSU’s Budget Committee and coordinating last year’s GhSL Academic Committee, whilst working closely with GhSL’s previous executive members, to familiarise myself with the internal workings of the organisation.
Upon entering the law course, I immediately wanted to get involved in campus organisations since I honestly believe that the academic side is only half of the University experience. Therefore, I wanted to look back at my time at University as being a holistic one that I will forever treasure in my heart. That being said, I wanted to be a part of an entity which will give me the opportunity to develop something that will be enjoyed by future law students, long after my time at University has come to an end.”
Nathaniel Falzon – Financial Controller
“Whilst previously occupying the role of PRO with JEF Malta, I have also been quite active within GhSL’s ranks, leading the Legal Aid Committee as Legal Aid Coordinator. I had the opportunity to work on various charitable events whilst also helping out the organisation in any way possible, especially with regards to the Public Relations office since it was closely related to the Legal Aid Committee”
Elle Borg – Public Relations Officer
“GhSL is not just a student organisation but also an organisation built for students. It is for this reason that I will work tirelessly to improve the organisation’s relationship with students. Students should feel comfortable approaching the organisation that represents them. This was an idea that was formed before I had even entered University, but it is one that I intend to keep developing.”
Aleandro Mifsud – International Officer
“Student activism is something which I hold very closely to my heart. From the very first day at university, I remember going to the GhSL stand at Freshers’ Week and immediately felt at home with the sincerity of the organisation’s members, as well as with the executive of the time. I honestly consider GhSL to be my second family; a super group of people who have helped me grow both on a social and a personal level. I appreciate every single thing that GhSL has done for me, and now I feel that it’s my time to pay back my dues.”
Daniele Gafa` – Academic Officer
“Having worked within several areas of GhSL throughout the past year, my aim is to bring energy, initiative and firm work ethic to the Academic Office. While commending my predecessors for their exemplary work within the organisation, I shall strive to go even further, building upon the solid foundations of what I believe to be the heart of GhSL.”
Jeremy Papagiorcopulo – Events Officer
“This is the first time I am forming part of the board of a University-based student organization. Having ample experience in organising events outside of University, I felt that, after three years in the law course, it was time for me to share my expertise with my fellow colleagues, so as to make our student life that little bit more exciting and enjoyable. Due to my past involvement in GhSL’s previous events along these three years, choosing to join GhSL was a natural choice.”
Roberta Spiteri – External Relations Officer
“I started getting involved with GħSL events from the very beginning of the academic year and soon after I joined the Policy Committee and Legal Aid Committee, which gave me my first taste of student activism. I then decided to take my involvement within the organisation a step further in order to contribute more directly to all the work done for the benefit of all law students. For that reason, joining the GħSL Executive Board was the natural choice.”
Matthew Booker — Marketing Officer
“I am relatively new to student organisations; however last year I took an active role in GhSL’s events committee and learnt a lot about the internal workings of the organization. Although still in 3rd year law, this is my 6th year as a university student. I have always considered the idea of getting involved in university organisations but unfortunately sports and other extra-curricular activities have always hindered my participation. This year I have found, however, that with proper planning and time management, one can be amazed with what can be achieved.”
Lara Attard — Policy Officer
“Following my previous participation in GhSL’s Policy Committee, which was led by Daniela Attard, I wanted to further my involvement in this organisation. This drove me to contest for the role of Policy Officer for the present term 16/17. My main aim throughout this year is to involve as many law students as possible, in issues that address the student body as a whole.”
Ariane Aquilina – Publications Officer
“After having been involved within the Publications Office for 3 years, this year I will be taking over as Publications Officer for the GhSL Executive Board 2016/2017.
The overall objective that will always be at the forefront of the Publications Office is to ensure that the good reputation it enjoys is warranted by keeping to the high standards that it has always maintained throughout the years.”
David Debono – Human Resources Officer
“Being in my first year of the law course, I am determined to set off these upcoming years on a good note. This therefore includes getting out there, involving myself with the community of the law students and making the course’s journey a memorable one.
I easily related to the introductory meeting back in October and Freshers’ Week. It was that specific week — and also the events that came about throughout the year – that made me aware that GĦSL is more than just a group. Seeing the previous executive laugh, communicate, and welcome us freshers proved to me that it is a family and a community that I was determined to be a part of.”