How are you feeling now that you are ending almost 6 years of commitment with this organisation?
Honestly, I’m currently having mixed emotions. I feel very sad that my time in SDM has come to an end, however, I am certain and confident that I am leaving the organisation in good hands. I gave so much to this organisation and it has given me so very much in return, and this is why I am finding it so difficult to say goodbye. Although I know on paper it might be over, I will always be there to give a helping hand and to see that this organisation continues moving forward like it has always done. Having said this, I cannot lie and say that the past few years, especially this year, have not been tiring and stressful. Therefore, I must admit that a very small part of me looks forward to not having as many worries and responsibilities as of tomorrow.
What do you believe is your happiest memory in SDM?
I was lucky enough to experience an unlimited amount of happy moments in my time with SDM. However, without any doubt, my happiest memory would have to be when we finally managed to elect all 7 SDM candidates back into KSJC in 2013. We had managed to elect a majority of candidates the year before and that too is an amazing memory but, needless to say, it was different. We had waited tirelessly for that moment to arrive and when it came, the feeling of running down the steps of Junior College in victory is a feeling I will cherish forever and will definitely never forget. Luckily, I was able to do it twice more.
Conversely, what was your most disappointing memory?
I think it was when we had lost the 2011 KSJC election. Not because I was the contesting President at that time, but because we really believed we deserved to and were going to win. We strongly believed that it was really the time for SDM to be elected back into KSJC. We worked so hard for it and believed so strongly that we would succeed. In fact, when we lost, along with so many other students, I wanted to be sure that it would never happen again. Therefore, I believe that the election was SDM’s turning point. We had to go back to the drawing board and change everything. With the help of the organisation’s leadership at that time and so many other students, we wanted to send a clear message that things will be different and I’m proud to say that we managed to do so successfully.
Is there something you wish you did but couldn’t?
Honestly, I would have loved for SDM to be given the opportunity to be present in another post-secondary educational institution, such as Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School, during my time forming part of the executive. Having said that, I have no doubt that future executives will make this a priority and I will be just as glad when they succeed.
Obviously, the SDM executive has been made up of many different people during these years who all gave their utmost for the organisation, but if you had to choose the three most influential members, who would they be?
SDM has been fortunate enough to have countless members who made SDM a priority in their lives and served to be influential people. Therefore naming just three is very difficult. However, I’d have to say that Joseph Grech was by far one of the most influential people for me personally. He was one of the first persons who encouraged me to form part of the executive. He believed in me since day one and in fact, also entrusted me with the role of Vice President which later led to my Presidency this year. Mark Grech was also a very influential person to me. Mark, as well as Gayle Lynn Callus, were a couple of the most important persons who brought SDM to it’s feet in 2012. Therefore, I wanted to work extremely hard in order to continue their legacy, as did Joseph Grech. Although their term ended in 2013, they have always continued to care and wish the best for the organisation. In fact, even to this day, during my Presidency, I am very grateful to say that I received countless offers of help and advice from both them, and Joseph Grech. Last, but certainly not least is Armando D’Amico. He is the most dedicated and passionate person that I have ever worked with within this organization. I am very appreciative of the fact that even after his term was over, he still showed the exact same amount of dedication and played a huge part in the winning of this year’s elections.
How has participating in a political student organisation helped you grow up? What has it taught you?
The truth is SDM has made me the person I am today. It has given me and taught me so much that I will always be in debt to it. It has given me the opportunity to showcase my qualities and develop them and also to acquire and improve those qualities which I lacked. I could go on for hours mentioning all the lessons I learned, but the most valuable lesson it taught me is that doing what you believe is right is not always easy as you’re bound to encounter endless bumps on your way. However, with sheer dedication, commitment and hard work you’ll always manage to succeed. Having said that you must never let success get the best of you and you should always keep your feet on the ground. Implementing those factors, I believe, is a perfect recipe for success.
All in all, how would you describe your journey with SDM?
I’d definitely describe it as tiring, but most importantly as amazing, unforgettable, fruitful and rewarding. Believe me when I tell you, there is nothing better than seeing months, if not years of hard work develop into incentives and opportunities for the better of all students. That is why I dedicated so much time to this organisation. As I genuinely believed in what it does and what it stands for, and that the work it has done before and during my time will benefit students for generations to come. I will miss it greatly. It has not only become a big part of my life, but it has become my life. Almost everything I have done these past couple of years, I have done in some kind of relation to this organisation. SDM has been a huge part of my life, and will always be. I will cherish every moment I’ve had within this organisation, both the good and the bad, forever. It has made me who I am, and for that I will always be grateful.
