Pelican is doing a get to know the Guild election tickets edition. Next up is SPARK!
By Angela Aris
Geemal Jayawickrama – For Guild President – Economics
Recall a moment you have struggled performing in a leadership role. How did you learn from this experience?
Being in a leadership role, there is no such thing as perfection. There are always small difficulties. But with the passion I have working within the International Students Department (ISD), I never look at the speedbump, only the road ahead. From this, I have learnt that it is critical to work in a group, and the most crucial factor is communication; without this, there is no team.
How do you feel about New Year’s Resolutions, and why?
I’m not a big fan of New Year’s resolutions because I see them as an excuse to make a positive change on only one day of the year. Instead, I like to make a positive change every day of the year.
How do you practice self-care and/or maintain a healthy body and mind during busy times?
There are a few things I do to maintain a healthy body and mind in such busy times. These include good sleep (at least 8 hours), hydration, and a good relationship with my family and friends.
What have you learned from studying in your chosen discipline which you can apply to your leadership role in the Guild?
Studying opportunity cost in economics would help me weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each initiative and, therefore, make better executive decisions.
Will Partridge (“Dragon”) – For President of Societies Council – English Literary Studies and History
How do you practice self-care and/or maintain a healthy body and mind during busy times?
I find that mindfulness can be extremely helpful in keeping me feeling present and focused, especially during busy or stressful periods at Uni or work, whether this is in small bites throughout a loaded day or a slightly longer session after finishing the day’s work as a way to relax my mind and body. I think it’s important to find time every day to relax and do something enjoyable, whatever that may be for each of us.
What have you learned from studying in your chosen discipline which you can apply to your leadership role in the Guild?
I’m currently in my second year of a Bachelor of Arts. On top of all the great friends I’ve made during that relatively short time, I’ve also learned a couple of really important things (but not too many, it is an English degree, after all!). I’ve loved spending the last two years learning about unique global voices and cultures, especially how people’s perspectives shift on events and issues depending on their personal contexts. I’ve also developed my ability to formulate arguments both creatively and critically – no doubt a useful skill to have while sitting on Guild Council.
If you could create another (yes – another!) UWA Club and add it into the mix, what would it be and why?
Along with many of my mates, the opening of the new store in Karrinyup, and the popular nationwide TV show, have reignited my childhood love of LEGO! I absolutely loved the freedom of physically creating an enormous, sprawling narrative out of thousands of tiny little pieces. Then, to be able to share that story and world with someone else, always felt so special to me. So, I think a UWA LEGO club could potentially bring together heaps of people, from all sorts of degrees, with all sorts of interests.
Favourite beverage to order out?
Potentially the toughest question I’ve had to answer in this campaign so far – yikes. It really depends on my mood that night. If it’s a cocktail sort of vibe, I can never look past a Whiskey Sour. If it’s a beer night (which it usually is), I’ll almost always choose Balter Hazy IPA ¬– it’s just too good to pass up. Honestly, though, I’ve been getting into hot chocolates recently when I’m not feeling like drinking. Hot choc with almond milk ¬– say less.
Holly Mellor – For President of Education Council – Political Science and International Relations
How do you feel about New Year’s Resolutions, and why?
I am a huge fan of New Year’s Resolutions when they are achievable and intentional. My New Year’s Resolution for 2022 was to prioritise my friendships and take the time to do the things I love, such as early morning walks, gym sessions, and swims with friends. Some of my favourite memories this year have been sunrise swims with friends, and I am so thankful that I committed to prioritising these moments!
How do you practice self-care and/or maintain a healthy body and mind during busy times?
Uni can be so stressful, especially during assignment submission and exam time. I find it so helpful to set aside an hour in the morning every day to do something that makes me feel happy. Often this is a spin class, which sets me up with some major endorphins for a productive day of work or study.
What have you learned from studying in your chosen discipline which you can apply to your leadership role in the Guild?
I have gained so much insight into different leadership and representation styles while studying different cultures. I am very excited to have the opportunity to represent the student body alongside the Spark team in a transparent, meaningful and productive way.
Social Media yay or nay?
Yay – but only when used purposefully. As a society, we definitely take social media for granted, especially the fact that we can interact with people and support meaningful causes from around the world. Social media provides a platform for us to advocate for universal rights and has been a catalyst for increased awareness and change, for example, the #MeToo, #BlackLivesMatter and #MyBodyMyChoice movements.
Taniya Shrimali – For President of Public Affairs Council – Public Health
How do you practice self-care and/or maintain a healthy body and mind during busy times?
One of my priorities day-to-day is making time to maintain a sense of groundedness even on the busiest of days. Trying my best to make time to go to the gym for me is one of the biggest life hacks I’ve discovered. Anytime I start my mornings with a quick workout, the rest of my tasks seem more and more approachable. Not only is consistency – exercising most days – beneficial for my physical health, but it puts my mind in a state of calmness, as well as preparing it to take on the challenges of the day. It’s definitely not easy to make time, especially on days when I don’t have the chance to even catch a breath, but staying persistent, having a healthy sleep schedule and eating healthy meals have allowed me to remain optimistic while facing tasks even on those really busy days.
What have you learned from studying in your chosen discipline you can apply to your leadership role in the Guild?
I am majoring in Population Health and Humanities in Health & Medicine. I actually really enjoy studying Public Health. I feel like it equips me with a more holistic lens when I’m looking at an issue in health and even in life. Alongside empathy, having this holistic viewpoint allows policies and projects to have multi-dimensional goals. One of the biggest takeaways from my studies has been communication and project planning. Being able to successfully liaise with subordinates or stakeholders in a project is crucial for any leader.
If you were to be elected, which of the other Guild Councils do you think you would work most closely with, and why?
Historically in the Guild, the Public Affairs Council (PAC) has been frequently coined as SOC-PAC, representing the overlap and collaboration between councils. Undeniably, it is a no-brainer that I will continue the SOC-PAC tradition with Will Partridge, the SOC candidate. An overlap does exist between the two councils for sure, with many PAC events also being spaces of socially charged student engagement, which is why this collaboration would be necessary. Although, I think it is also time that boundaries be made in the way that the PAC earns PAC-specific interactions with student bodies.
What did you have for breakfast this morning?
Overnight oats are an absolute staple for busy people who want a healthy and filling breakfast but have no time in the morning to make it. It’s easy, convenient and on the go. Here’s my quick 2-minute recipe: The night before, soak your oat mix (the mix with seeds and berries) in a mason jar with oat milk and a heap of chia seeds, goji berries, pepita seeds, sunflower seeds, protein powder, a dash of cinnamon, and shredded coconut. Keep all of that in the fridge. Then when you wake up, grab your favourite clusters, chuck that in there, extra points if you have time to add fruit, and you’re done, out the door.
Lara Dale – For General Secretary – Engineering and Maths
How do you practice self-care and/or maintain a healthy body and mind during busy times?
I have to admit, this is an area of improvement for me. This year, my New Years’ Resolutions were to join the gym and get a 100-day streak on Duolingo (so far on 72 days, yay!) So I have been trying to use both of these things as personal time to destress.
What have you learned from studying in your chosen discipline which you can apply to your leadership role in the Guild?
I am studying Engineering and Maths, which are both quite practical and skills-based degrees. Even though the actual subject matter isn’t applicable to the Gen-Sec role, having those analytical and maths-based skills is critical as a functional treasurer. The attention to detail needed for both makes being a secretary pretty natural too.
If you were to be elected, which of the other Guild Councils do you think you would work most closely with, and why?
As General Secretary, it is important that I work with all areas of the Guild in the best interest of the students. Although where I have the capacity to work on specific projects, I would love to work with Sofie and the Environmental Department, as sustainability and working against climate change is something I am passionate about.
Dream pet and why?
A little boring, but my dream pet is a cat because I am absolutely obsessed with my cats (for sure, a future crazy cat lady if I’m not already XD). If I could have a fictional pet, I think it would be fun to have a puffball pet – like Bibble from the barbie movies!
Taleah Ugle – For Women’s Officer – Biomedical Science
Recall a moment you have struggled performing in a leadership role. How did you learn from this experience?
The times I have struggled to perform as a leader have been while surrounded by loved ones and friends. I highly value my friends’ opinions, and when these contradict my own, I find it difficult to assert myself. What I have learned from these experiences is that those who are my friends also care about my opinions – so there’s no reason to fret, just express.
Can you share with us a life lesson that has been passed down to you and how it influences you today?
A lesson I have learnt is that the energy you bring into the world will eventually come back to you. You can view it as karma, but I see it more as a mindset and how to perceive things. If you do good, radiate goodness and see the brighter side of things, the world just feels a bit better. And this has helped me find good people and make those hard days a little easier (it’s also okay to not feel good all the time).
What is the first thing you will implement if elected?
The first thing I would implement if elected is to try and activate a QR code with all the information concerning the women’s department, such as what we can provide, courses concerning sexual health and upcoming events. And then display these around campus for everyone to access.
Favourite study snack?
I love me some biscuits and milk but also frozen diced Mangoes (YUM!).
Sofie Gilmartin – For Environmental Officer – Biomedical Science
What is the first thing you will implement if elected?
If I am elected, the first things I will implement are e-bike and e-scooter charges to encourage students to travel to Uni by methods of transport that will reduce our carbon footprint. My hope is to put these charges outside Reid, Barry-J and the Business School.
What inspired you to apply for this role?
As a Yamatji woman, I feel connected to my land and understand the importance of protecting it. We have come a long way in implementing strategies to reduce our impact on the environment. However, there is still a long way to go, and we are the next generation responsible for its protection. Therefore, I believe it is important that we begin to educate ourselves on ways to reduce our impact.
What qualities do you look for most in others?
In others, I look for loyalty and honesty. I believe without loyalty and trust, nothing else can flourish. You need to know that others are going to have your back but also be able to tell you honestly how something is.
You have $10 to spend at the local IGA for movie night. What snacks do you buy?
If I was given $10, I would buy a bag of salt and vinegar chips, some Oreos and some slightly-sweet and slightly-salty popcorn.
Kaelin Abrahams – Welfare Officer – Political Science and International Relations
Recall a moment you have struggled performing in a leadership role, how did you learn from this experience?
Honestly, while I have leadership-stint after leadership-stint to my name, I think the role I struggled with and learnt from the most has been as an older brother. I spent most of my childhood with my younger brother of two years. I was unbearably patronising and impatient. I hurt him so many times when I was meant to be one of his protectors and friends. Learning from it since, I’ve always strived to listen more than speak, to be as patient as one can be before hurting others, and to treat every person with a level of universal respect. Thankfully, I can now say I’m a better older brother to all five of my younger siblings – and I have my brother Ziggy to thank for that.
How do you practice self-care and/or maintain a healthy body and mind during busy times?
Truthfully, my secret to never stressing out and staying active comes down to four vital ingredients. Number one – is an ungodly amount of sleep. Even if I was mad enough to ignore fatigue for a moment, I always work to ensure I pay it back with extra sleep later on. If my body is calling for recovery, I will heed the call. Number two – is living with my best friend. She may not know she is a part of my well-being, but as my roommate, I know I always have someone to vent or chat to, regardless of my mood. Number three and four – involve a lot of spontaneous dancing and organic optimism. Thankfully, most of this is shareable with others, but I invite everyone to find their own coping techniques. The world can be draining – you have it within yourself to know when to step back and enjoy something you like.
What have you learned from studying in your chosen discipline which you can apply to your leadership role in the Guild?
This made me chuckle. I have a reputation for changing majors as well as being unhelpfully spontaneous almost all of the time. But alas, there are strengths in my approach and from the bedrock of my since-established first major. Studying within the humanities builds a thirst for differing perspectives, joy in engaging in lots of teamwork-oriented debate, and requires constant self-justification of your beliefs and opinions – from old to nascent – and compromise. When paired with my spontaneous personality, I will continue to bring a respectful, curious and diligent contribution to our Guild.
Indoor and outdoor, what is your favourite study spot on campus?
If I tell you, will you promise one day to join me? The more, the merrier, and there are so many places under-loved. But personally, to share with you my secret, my favourite place to study indoors is undeniably the first floor of Bilya Marlee. From Gabe’s instinctive and kind hello once you enter to the comfy and quiet atmosphere – you just know you’re getting some study done. Perhaps, more contentiously, my favourite outdoor study spot would be the Sunken Gardens. The seclusion, but more importantly, the richness of the scenery, has me hooked.
Liam Tubby – Sports Representative – Sport Science
How do you practice self-care and/or maintain a healthy body and mind during busy times?
By going to the gym four to five times a week, playing footy and spending time each day doing something I love.
Can you share with us a life lesson that has been passed down to you and how it influences you today?
I come from a station, working hard and doing long hours of physical labour. This has taught me if there is a task that needs doing – just get it done.
What is the first thing you will implement if elected?
Individual social-sport sign-ups to get more people involved.
Favourite Youtube channel/content?
Mine is any sport or fitness-related stuff and also anything fun!