Abacus Society: Vice President

Striving towards the unity of all Asian-heritage members via extraordinary events and activities. I will continue the incredible legacy of UCL's ABACUS left by our seniors into the new academic year.

I've really enjoyed the numerous events hosted by ABACUS this year. Be it the freshers events, the halloween or the winter ball, I've consistently felt that the ABACUS clubbing nights have been my most enjoyable nights out; while being involved in ABACUS has also allowed me to make many connections and meet new people - so it's only right that I at least try and give back to the society.

I'm specifically running for vice president because, as I mentioned in my interview, I believe the role of the vice president is to act as the glue of the committee, both supporting the president in his/her decision making while also being a communicator between the president and the other committee roles. I've also been told the vice president is the organiser of most 'social dinners'  - again an amazing way to meet people and make connections, hence I'd like to see to it that it's extremely well organised next year.

Being in the Marketing Director of the UCL Chinese Society VShow this year, I've had my fair share of dealing with companies and peers through drafting sponsorship proposals, visiting restaurants and companies to negotiate deals and organising funding and ticket sales for large-scale clubbing events. Given I've somehow managed to come out of this year (relatively) unscathed thus far, I feel like I'd be able to do a good job next year as your vice president! :)

I believe that as the Vice President of ABACUS, I will be able to guide a new generation of young and bright UCL students towards a plethora of lifelong memories. My goals are to bring more heavily subsidised events for our ABACUS members, ensuring that each one of us is able to participate and have the best experience regardless of pricing. I also hope to establish UCL ABACUS as one of the most influential and inclusive societies within UCL, bringing great regard to the society and further enforcing our status within the London universities.

I hope to serve you all in the following year and continue bringing prevailing experiences to you.

My name is Anais, and I’m running for Vice President this year. Entering university as a 17-year old made me extra keen on forming connections with others outside of typical freshers events, and this was exactly what ABACUS allowed me to do. I witnessed how the community was able to introduce a warm, homely environment to members of diverse ethnic backgrounds. I am inspired to continue making ABACUS the safe space that people can look back to when they miss the sense of familiarity.

I believe that my insight as a First Year Representative will help ensure that events are inclusive and pique everybody’s interests. While club nights will be plentiful and always good fun, I would like to plan more casual get-togethers (for the homebodies out there!) where members watch different Asian films together or bring their country’s food to a potluck around the time of Chinese New Year. This can serve as a reminder of the importance of sharing and appreciating each other’s cultures, something that was ingrained into my mindset growing up.

Having led the Psychology Society in my previous school, I’ve gained essential communication, organisational, time-management, and team-player skills. This experience has also taught me to keep an open mind and incorporate others’ feedback into decision-making processes. You can be rest-assured that these qualities will keep me grounded as your VP and that everyone will feel a sense of belonging in ABACUS.