Tamil Society: Welfare Officer

I am standing for the Welfare Officer role for UCL Tamil Society because I care about making this society a space where everyone feels comfortable, included and supported. As a first year, I’ve been to many Tamil Soc events, and they have genuinely helped me feel more settled at university. I have also had the opportunity to make friends with other Tamil students at UCL studying different courses which I would not have been able to do otherwise. I’d love to help create that same sense of belonging for others as a welfare officer. I understand that university can be a big change from school, and from moving out to meeting new people it can be quite overwhelming so I hope to help ensure that everyone feels welcome and not alone. 

I am approachable, responsible and someone people feel comfortable talking to and I understand the importance of creating a safe space where members can speak openly. I’d bring positive energy and commitment to the role, and I would do my best to ensure Tamil Society continues to be not just a cultural community, but a supportive one for everyone.

I'm standing for welfare office because caring for people and looking out for others has always been something that's important to me, in a very similar manner - it's one of the main reasons I chose to study medicine. As FYR this year, I've already been a point of contact for freshers, helping in any way I can at events like panithuli, take me out, pongal. Through these events and stories I've heard from friends, I've seen how exciting but overwhelming university can be and social events as well. I believe I am someone who feels approachable and supportive- whether that's for something big or just a small conversation. If elected, I'd like to make welfare more proactive, not just reactive - through check-ins, small de-stress socials (like painting socials) or anonymous feedback options that I can share with the rest of committee to make the society more inclusive. While Tamil society has already felt like a safe and supportive space because of our current welfare officer, I'd love to add to that atmosphere and be a point of contact for everyone in the society past my current role of first year representative.