Debating Society: Treasurer

Why do you want SANTIAGO as your Debate Society Treasurer?

Great question. 3 easy reasons:

1. I’m extremely adept at using Excel spreadsheets. Mastering the art of the spreadsheet is particularly important for your treasurer, since I’ll be handling all of the finances that will get you to the competitions YOU are going to be winning for us and UCL.

2. Everyone ELSE is voting for SANTIAGO, you should too! I’ve been at UCL for 2 years now, and I’m showing no signs of stopping; pray for my EoY’s. I know a lot of the current and future committee members, which will make communicating in committee meetings productive and straightforward. Don’t be on the losing team. It sucks. Don’t worry, I took Maths at A-level so I know winning odds when I see them.

3. Need someone you can trust to get things done? What happens when you mix a professional with an active athlete like me? You get someone that’s pro-active! That’s me. I don’t leave things to the last minute and I stay organised. I prefer to impose my own pressure than let external things pressure me. I’m not a psi. Haha, pressure-related joke.

Why DON’T you want anyone else? 5 reasons:

1. They might embezzle all your hard-paid funds and escape to the high-life in Brazil.

2. They are NOT the Master Oogway of Excel spreadsheets.

3. Most people are lazy and I‘m excellent at gaslighting myself into working hard.

4. I don’t drink, so drunk-spending is a no-no.

5. See above.

Can’t wait to be your VIT, Very Important Treasurer.

Prior to joining debates, I used to see the world in black and white. Through the numerous opportunities that UCL Debate has bestowed upon me, I internalised the importance of being willing and sensitive when dealing with different beliefs. Beyond the joys of competing, I treasure the friendships forged and seek to give back to UCL Debate via undertaking the responsibilities of a Treasurer. 

After competing extensively, I recognised that the key to improving the Debate Society is via ensuring sufficient funding for both major and minor competitions, to increase involvement within the society. While I recognise that certain budget constraints might exist, I believe that my perceptiveness and commercial awareness would enable me to maximise the Debate Society’s funding, which would in turn improve our budget allocations. A sustainable budget would be one that doesn’t seek to engage in a ‘race to the bottom’ (ie. compromising necessary funding), rather a sustainable budget is one that promises growth (ie. developing social events for fundraising, negotiation about funding for external competitions). 

I believe that my personality traits of being a strong negotiator, willingness to communicate and creativity would ensure that the needs of all debating members are sufficiently accounted for. I hope that I would be able to give back to UCL Debate in the capacity of a Treasurer and to develop a more sustainable budget that promises growth.