Why did you choose to contest Social Policy Commissioner?
Over the past two years at university, and my time at St Aloysius college Sixth Form, I was always very fascinated by the policy making process and its outcomes. In fact, I’m actively pursuing this field by reading for a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Public Policy. I chose to contest for KPS in light of the fact that after my time in JEF, discussing mostly matters of European policy, I decided I wanted to branch out and make a bigger impact on the student body, whilst tackling a wider range of topics that impact the everyday lives of students in Maltese society. Apart from this, in my two terms in JEF, I have been attending KPS meetings, and I found them to be very enlightening on current affairs, and thought it would be awesome to be part of such a vital organ within the KSU’s structure.
What is your background in organisations?
I have been involved in JEF Malta from the summer before I started University, and following this period of volunteering and activism, I was elected as Public relations Officer for the term 2014/2015. This year, I was elected the Secretary General of JEF Malta for the current term; 2015/2016. Apart from this, I have also been part of a number of subcommittees, including but not limited to the KSU Culture and Entertainment Sub-Committee in the term 2014/2015. My avid interest in photography has also been an important part of active student life, and I was entrusted to photograph a number of events on campus, not only those related to JEF Malta, but also a number of events organised by ASCS, TDM2000, ESN and many more.
Why should organisations trust you with their vote?
Throughout the past 2 years, I’ve consistently worked hard for the organisation I loved, and gave it my all 24/7. I have been in the debating and public speaking sphere for over 4 years, which has given me the skills to be able to hold a debate as well as organise one (an indispensable trait for organising such programs as the Debate Society League). I can safely say that it’s not only my two years of hard work in a respected organisation such as JEF, but also my own studies in Public Policy, that make me an ideal candidate. I seriously consider a career in policy making, possibly on a national or even European scale, hence I can assure organisations and their student members, that I will treat this role and the responsibility attached to it with the utmost respect and professionalism from day one.
How do you plan to tackle apathy in University?
What I think will help fight apathy is being proactive rather than reactive. I truly believe that if issues that are not necessarily current national political issues are discussed, the student body might become more interested in what is being said. Therefore, I plan to tackle issues such as entrepreneurship, Mental Health, and Sports Inclusion, through means not limited to a conventional campaign, but rather tackling them in a more interactive and creative way. Apart from this, I intend on basing my work in KSU, if elected, directly with the organisations involved. I want student organisations to be the best they can be, and help them as much as I can, in anything related to KPS, and not only.
Why are you better for the role than other contesting candidates?
In comparison to my contestants, I can say that although I am the youngest one, I strive towards being the candidate with the most consistent track record in organisations. Furthermore, I feel that despite my youth, I have accumulated plenty of experience already, and I have consistently built strong working relationships with my colleagues, which are a testament to my ability to work in a team. Next year I will be in my third year studying public policy, 1 of around 35 people studying this subject in University. Apart from this fact, I have been actively present in KPS for the past 2 years, and I have also attended close to all of their events, as well as competing in KSU’s Debate Society League. My strength has always been being the passion I put in every project I embark upon, and I have always effectively pushed forward a team to reach their goal.
On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate the management of last year’s KPS office overall, and give a reason for your rating.
I think KPS was at a scale of 7 this year. Its close to impossible to be perfect (however, it could be achieved).
What would you have done better or changed if you could?
I found that as a contestant of Debate Society League, there were some inconsistencies throughout the competition, which I aim to change once I’m in office. Notwithstanding this, I thought Campaign+ was an excellent idea. However, topics could have been a bit more general so that different student organisations could be interested in them. In fact, there was a great focus on health this year.