Maciej Rys
Speaking to Vision, Maciej Rys described himself as “ready for new challenges” a fan of “adrenaline” and the boy who “shaved my head just for elections.”
Rys is more than just a bald man, however. Having lived in four European countries and currently on exchange in Hong Kong, Rys considers himself well travelled, and has big plans for ISA, (the International Student Association.) “More British people should get involved” he writes. “Everyone is welcome… I will make sure that ISA’s budget is well spent and that all events are interesting and cool.”
Rys has further ideas for ISA, including international trips, outings to Premier League matches, absinth tasting, ISA speed dating, charity involvement and “more support for cultural societies.” With the emphasis of his campaign resting on increasing British and European participation to ISA as well as his ten points, Rys believes that “together we could do more.”
Mike Anstey and Ankita Chawla
Mike and Ankita are running together for the position of International Officer. Mike has lived in 9 different countries, “loves meeting new people”, founded his own charity at the age of 17 as well as being the current Social Secretary of Law Soc and Investment Finance Soc. Ankita is a professional salsa dancer, and has previous experience as an International Officer at the University of Toronto.
They aim to promote welfare and the collective voice for international students through welfare clinics and regular contact with YUSU and college reps. They also hope to establish a weekly newsletter that will keep a “stringent check on the activities of the Union and University that will affect the International Community.”
Furthermore they hope to, “better the International Students” voice in YUSU… facilitate the integration of the international community into other societies and parts of university life” and importantly, to “better the standing of international students in the university accommodation process.”
Ian Lau
Ian Lau is a 2nd year course rep for English Language and Linguistics and is the Press and Publicity Officer for the York Volleyball Club, “I’ve personally experienced the feeling of loss when suddenly immersed in a completely different culture,” he says.
Lau has three main “GET IN” aims for the ISA intend to help international students to “get involved, get informed and get integrated”.
Having served in the military for two years, Lau describes himself as “accustomed to roles of responsibility and working under strenuous circumstances”. Today, he loves his Volleyball, plays the guitar for “funsies” and despite being a “shower singer” occasionally will do so in ‘The Lounge’.
Egle Vasiliauskaite
Whilst still in her first year, Egle Vasiliauskaite is already Marketing Officer for the ISA Committee and MUN Officer for the United Nations Association Committee.
She has three main aims that she hopes will get her elected as ‘International Officer’. Firstly, provide better representation of international students, which includes plan to expand global week and arrange a Christmas dinner any students remaining in York over the holiday. Secondly, to increase British student participation in the ISA with equal ISA membership rates for home students, and involvement in events such as Cultural Performance Day and Global Week, and finally, to improve the International Committee with more events, dinners and coffee afternoons.
During her exchange year in the USA, Vasiliauskaite helped organise ‘Diversity Leadership Conference against Discrimination’ called ‘Names Can Hurt’ and was one of a group of actors who recorded Lithuania’s first audio book! Vasiliauskaite says her motto is “Our life is defined by the opportunities, even the ones you miss.”
To be frank, the only candidates who deserve this is Anstey and Chawla. They are by far the most experienced and undoubtedly have the most presence on campus.
Their campaign has been air tight and have taken the time to really get to the core of what people need in this University. Sure, a candidate has worked with the ISA committee…big deal, as what? She isnt the president. but no doubt she will have them behind her.
Lets hope the rest of the UNiversity chooses experience above all else, approachability and solid policies. Anstey and Chawla embody all this and more. They really should be elected and given more recognition by the media.
I am inclined to agree with @Goodricker. They are by far the candidates that have the most to offer to the job. I have also been approached personally by them and they visited my college to meet each person along the floors to sell their policies as well as listened to what we thought was needed.
Its not all about hard selling, sometimes listening is more beneficial and to be quite frank, Goodricker, as far as approachability goes, they have it.
The others….well….no.