Diplomacy Society: First Year Representative

Hello everyone, my name is Alecsis and the majority of you will get to know me as Alec. I am a Politics and International Relations student applying for the position of First Year Representative in the Diplomacy society.

The choice to nominate myself for this position is motivated by my past experience as a volunteer and my current interaction with the Diplomacy Journal. Knowing how difficult it is to make a team function properly without crystal clear communication, I want to streamline this process in our community. By relying on my organisational skills, social nature and just a touch of improvisation,bas well as cooperation with other people in our committee, I intend to enhance the experience everyone will have throughout this year.

My involvement in other societies, ranging from UCLUNA, International Relations, Political Risk, to European and many more, alongside the journal our society is producing, will allow me to provide more networking possibilities for UCL Diplomacy, ranging from professional events to social nights and many more. I cannot wait to become part of this year's this - granted you are also just as excited as I am to vote for me! 

Hi all,

The Diplomacy Society has shined to all first-year students interested in International Affairs as the one with the most interesting events, opportunities, and people. It is only justified then, that each new member is represented by someone who only wants the best path forward for what is already an attractive society and could be much more.

I will ensure that first years are always considered in the decisions the society takes, that your feedback is always listened to, and most importantly that you enjoy your time at events and socials.

I will also push for measures such as a fair ticket allocation system for the most popular events (e.g., ensuring everyone gets to do at least one embassy visit) instead of the current first-come first-served system and advocate for speaker events related to careers in diplomacy (how is it like, how to get internships at embassies, etc).

-Yanis

Interning at Singapore's foreign ministry has taught me that it is only through engagement with experts - diplomats, politicians and thought leaders - and being on the ground (such as visiting embassies) for one to fully understand the mechanisms of diplomatic work, in areas where theory and academics cannot provide. Hence I am keen on advancing Diplomacy Society's work in exposing interested students to this field. 

As a 1st year representative, regular communication between the society and first year members will be my priority. I propose having monthly check-ins with first years through Zoom calls and a Google Form (for anonymous feedback if preferred). I will work with the Marketing Officer to publicise these initiatives through our social media platforms. 

I was in the executive committee of a society that worked on social issues, where I developed strong interpersonal skills working with the exco, societal members, and external organisations on running the society, planning of projects, and collaborations respectively. I believe that these transferable skills will be utilised in working with the committee.

I will be greatly humbled to receive your support as your 1st Year Representative. I will strive to ensure that the Diplomacy Society is an inclusive space for all and work with the committee to organise purposeful and career-oriented activities. I am open to feedback on my proposed initiatives, where you can find me at [email protected]. Thank you!

I always had an interested in the diplomatic aspects of international relation after my internship that allowed me to be part of the management team in diplomatic events. I love being able to analyse and ponder critically on the how the culture and societal factor affects politics. I did an internship with an events company that worked exclusively with the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) which organises ministerial events and create a platform for political figures from all countries to have a safe space to discuss on international disputes.

This exposed me to the political grounds in which I therefore pursued a bachelor’s in philosophy was so that I will be able to develop the relevant skills to venture further in the political philosophy aspect.

A memorial event that I took part in was the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in June 2022 where we had the president of Ukraine, Vologymyr Zelenskyy join in virtually, along with prime ministers from countries such as Japan; Australia; Qatar, coming together physically to discuss international security and defence. It was my first high level political event and being able to help plan the event rundown was such a pivotal experience.

This position of a first-year representative would allow me to have the platform to shadow and learn the “behind the scenes” of the committee in organising and planning of activities and events. I hope through my experience I will be able to contribute and learn from the committee. 

My goal is that as First Year Representative, I am making everyone’s experience better. 

With its opportunities and chances for people to learn more about diplomacy through events and engage in networking opportunities, I believe that Diplomacy Society is a good platform for people to learn more about IR. I would love to help others enjoy their experience here as first year rep and connect with other society members. Having organised and led events during the challenging COVID years, I am very strong in communicating and problem solving – especially when it comes to working and learning from team members. I am willing to hear all your suggestions and bring them to the attention of the team, while learning from the team and developing new soft skills.

I am very approachable – I love meeting new people and helping others feel comfortable. All students should have their voices heard, and as first year rep, I will always be available for any inquiries and be a good base for suggestions. I have ideas for fun activities that can promote intermingling of year levels and other activities that can include the entire society, as well as suggestions about handling event signups and spreading new information that can increase access to the rest of the society.

I hope to gain your vote as your first year representative, and I promise that you will have an engaged, committed and considerate representative who is ready to make your experience extra special this year!

Hello everyone!

My name is Jesmean and I'm applying for FYR because I am a person who enjoys getting involved in helping and organising any activity for the community. I have been the student representative at my Italian high school for three consecutive years, and I have been one of the SAC (School Advisory Council) members of the Dual Diploma Council, representing over 45,000 students. These experiences exposed me to different ideas and taught me to collaborate and get things done.

I will network with everyone with lots of motivation and a positive attitude to create a strong and connected community, filled with memorable and fun events and activities. I would love to be available to each member of society by helping, and I hope we will be able to do it together.

It was a pleasure to get to know many of you and your future aspirations and ideas for the upcoming year.

My grandfather was a Syrian diplomat, who embedded the significance of intercultural dialogue in my childhood. In order to become an ambassador myself, I am studying law in Germany and am currently on my year abroad, which gives me much time to be profoundly engaged. There are specific matters that I would like to implement:

1. Improve the application process for embassy visits, to ensure equal opportunities for everyone. During the year, everyone should get the chance to visit at least two. I will reach out to more embassies, increasing the number and variety of visits, as I understand this is a main priority for a lot of us. 

2. Organize more key speaker events where we hear firsthand from a variety of impactful experts of the field, so we can grow our diplomatic expertise and even more important our network. I propose thematic panel debates and intimate fireside chats, suited to help you get an exclusive insight into current world issues and a better understanding for career strategies. 

3. Arrange a trip to the EU-Commission in Brussels. Implementing a Trip committee would give more of you the opportunity to get involved.

With all my creativity and network I am here to make sure that you get valuable experience in this society and support you in every way possible, so you feel prepared for a career in IR. Let’s have an insightful and impactful year together!

Hi! My name is Mary, I study Politics and IR and I'd love to be your 1st year representative!

I'm always ready for a chat or to help with pushing through anything you have in mind. I was VP of my high school's student council so I know how to talk to admin to get things done! (I got my previous headmaster to introduce free pads and tampons in all bathrooms:)) I would love to create opportunities for us to socialise and get engaged in: from bar meet-ups to TED talks, which is what I organised last year also in high school. (Feel free to check out TEDxAkademeiaHighSchoolWomen on YouTube;))

Some things I definitely want to introduce are: increasing the accessibility and knowledge about opportunities in our field of diplomacy, organising a designated platform for us first-years to communicate, and creating a less-formal version of our beloved The Diplomacy Review ran by us and designated for us to share and develop our thoughts on politics. We have so many ideas, let's cherish that!

I'm a big sister so I love to help and be there for whatever you need!

If any of this sounds good, feel free to message me on ig with any questions and vote Mary!

Dear diplomacy members,

I am applying to be a 1st year rep because I really enjoy representing peers and doing work that can benefit all of us and think I can be a good candidate for that post.

I have always been involved in representing roles for my friends, my teachers and peers in the past. In last few years, I was a student representative and a member of my high school council. I gained experience and skills by trying to facilitate the communication and relationships between students and the directors-staff.I was able and really enjoyed planning, organizing events and activities for my cohort.

In this diplomacy society that is quite large in terms of people, 300 members !, I believe it is pivotal to have a student rep to facilitate transparency, exchange and make every student feel good about being in this society.

My goal is to build and create a relax and friendly atmosphere where we are all unite and a big team to make the most of this year.

Thus, I would love to work her at UCL in this society as a student rep for 1st years. I would appreciate your vote if you believe that I am suitable to represent you and to be good at this job.