We caught up with Himanshu, last year's Societies Officer, to find out more about his leadership journey, and why putting yourself forward for this year's leadership race is a must.
Himanshu Keshari is Societies Officer, and works to oversee national, religious, and career-networking societies and many more. They develop the societies community within the Union and facilitate the running of General Interest societies by students.
Find out more about the role of a Societies Officer, as well as all the other Student Officer roles you can put yourself forward for.
What influenced you to put yourself forward to become a leader?
I think the inspiration behind me becoming a leader traced back to my childhood days. When I was in my school, I was also the head of the student Council and that motivation and drive carried up until now. So I decided to give back to society and to the different communities at UCL.
In your opinion, What is one of the most important aspects of being a leader?
I think inclusivity is quite important in today's world and as a leader, if we are not inclusive, I think we will harm not only ourselves, but also the institution that we represent.
How would your younger self react if they could see you now?
In this case, my youngest self would either be faint hearing that I have gained this opportunity to be a Students' Union Officer at UCL. I think my younger self would go crazy, but honestly, I would be quite grateful for the opportunities here and quite passionate about the impact that I've had.
Is there any advice you can give to people thinking about putting themselves forward?
I would still say that it is always a process, never the destination that makes you wiser. So enjoy the process. I think the best skills that I gain from being a leader is to appreciate. You get to leave back a legacy that is much better than what was given to you, and you continue with that journey forward.
You get to leave a legacy that is much better than what was given to you."
Finally, why should you put yourself forward for the leadership race?
I think the last piece of advice that I would just give to every student who wants to nominate themselves would be to just be you. Being yourself would be the best outcome that you would know about yourself and the journey forward. If you want a little challenge in life, nominate yourself. It would be one of the most fun experiences you would have here.
Applications are open now to become our next Societies Officer in the Leadership Race - put yourself forward.