Why did you choose to contest Education Commissioner?
Throughout the past three years, I believe I have held a rather active role on the campus. I believe the skills I have developed throughout my involvement in various organizations, has given me adequate experience to take on this new challenge. I also feel that I have done my utmost to represent the students of the Faculty of Health Science, and believe that I am ready to take it to the next step and represent a greater amount of students.
What is your background in organisations?
Before entering University, I was not an active student. As a matter of fact, I used to say that these people are wasting their time. When I got into University, I attended my first MHSA event and fell in love. Early in my first year I joined the mhsaHEALTH subcommittee and became active in the organisation’s other committees too. In April 2014, I was elected into the executive and occupied the role of Executive Board Member. Following that, I held the role of Financial officer and finally, President of the Association.
Moreover, in November 2014, I was also elected as the student representative for the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Throughout my three years at University, I have also participated in various debates and activities organized by other student organisations.
Why should student representatives trust you with their vote?
I am a very hard working individual who is willing to listen to ideas and take any advice on board. I believe I have enough experience to truly represent the students of the University of Malta, and have the necessary skills to voice students concerns to the main stakeholders.
How do you plan to tackle apathy at University?
I plan to make the KE office within KSU a more active and interactive office. I plan to create various subcommittees where all students from all faculties can join and contribute towards the development of bettering our University.
Furthermore, one of my proposals it to promote the role of the student representative, highlighting the fact that this role is different from the academic officer within the faculty based organization. Hence, empowering more students to apply for the role.
Why are you better for the role than other contesting candidates?
I am a very hard working and dedicated person, who is willing to give all my energy and passion into this new challenge. I believe that having held various roles within MHSA has given me the necessary skills and abilities that will enable me to fully represent students in a very effective manner.
Besides this, the Faculty of Health Sciences is the second largest faculty on campus, and having held the role of student representative of this faculty, I believe that I have become familiar with the problems faced within the faculty. I feel that the experience I have gained can be applied to all other faculties, institutes and departments in order to voice students concerns effectively.
On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate the management of last year’s KE office overall, and give a reason for your rating.
In terms of lobbying I would give it a solid 8 out of 10. The education office dealt with various issues in a very professional manner, and solutions to problems were always found. Meanwhile, I believe that communication with KE members struggled slightly, and many members felt that they were not informed about ongoing issues. Due this is I would give it a 7.
What would you have done better or changed if you could?
I believe that effective communication with the students is of utmost importance. Firstly, I would have scheduled more regular meetings between the KE office and the KE members to keep them informed and up to date on the ongoing issues.
Secondly, when a big issue is being tackled, much of the work is behind the scenes, and sometimes students feel that authorities are not working on it, hence, I would have communicated with the students more often to let them know that we are doing everything in our power to solve the problem.