Ex-Yugoslav Society: President

My name is Alannah Thornley, and I am running to be the President of the Ex-Yugoslavian Society here at UCL! A bit about me: I was born in Serbia in 2004 to a Serbian mother and a British father and spent my childhood in the beautiful Balkans.  Eminently passionate about ex-Yugoslavian culture, from Karleuša to rakija, as a candidate for the role of President of the Ex-Yu society at UCL, I believe that I can bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm to the organization. My approach to the role will be centred around the idea of building a vibrant and inclusive community that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the former Yugoslavia.  

As someone who grew up in the heart of the Balkans, I know first-hand the importance of keeping our culture alive in the diaspora. And what better way to do that than through social events that showcase the best of Balkan culture? I propose that we organize regular socials, which could range from casual pub outings to turbofolk karaoke nights or Dress as a Yugo Icon parties, where we can gather and celebrate our community together in a fun way! Moreover, I would organise events where we can cook and eat traditional foods, like sarma, cevapi or burek.  

Another important tenet of my presidency would be collaboration with other societies. Let's collaborate with other cultural societies at UCL and other universities to showcase the best of Balkan culture to the wider world. These events would allow us to promote internationalism, share our culture with the wider UCL community, as well as make new

After taking the last year out of university unexpectedly, I now want to spend the 2023-24 academic year ensuring the continuation of Ex-Yugoslav society for a number of reasons. 

I am incredibly passionate about the region and it's culture. I spent much of my time out traveling Croatia, Bosnia & Serbia and I am learning Serbo-Croatian (sometimes even with some success!). I think UCL should have a place to share this for people both from the region and beyond.

I have a number of skills I feel would be beneficial to the role of president. For one, I have communications experience from writing for Pi Media, the UCL student newspaper, and for the press team of a member of the Scottish Parliament (something else I've also been up to on my time out).

I have also been the social media manager for Museums With No Frontiers and have volunteered with the Pankhurst Centre Museum & Girlguiding, which has given me insight into planning and working to a set schedule.

In the future, I naturally want to see the society more active, embracing the region's culture. I feel this society benefits most from social events - pub meet ups - maybe even pub quizzes, rakija tasting, visiting Balkan restaurants & food shops. We can also try and reintroduce collaborative events with other cultural societies & film screenings. 

This society can be great and together, we can get it there.

I would love to be the president of the Ex-Yugoslav Society because I would like to make a positive impact on the society and the great people who are a part of it. I believe that I would be a valuable addition, and will be committed to the success of our society.