Student Council

Elections
Candidate Booklet

Summary of candidates:
Chairperson
Cheyenne Cranston
Herman Holmsen
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Nimra Nadeem
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Solveig Vanniez-Salvesen |
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Communications Representative
Andres Bustamante
Bassie Turay
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Hamza Jalil Albasit
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Board Representative
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Balder Morsund
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Finland House Representative
Akmaral Janat
Rachele Dal Cin
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Sophia Hejndorf
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Sweden House Representative
Bassie Turay
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Katrine sterby
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Patrick Zhang
Pablo Esquivel
Tao Gadd
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Denmark House Representative
Antonia Reininger
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Daniel Rey Rosas
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Erik berg
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Ulrikke Larsen
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Iceland House Representative
Anna Kwok
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Alejandra Acuna
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Dan Mulco
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Ines Sderstrm
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Mar Oostermejier Prat

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Norway House Representative

Emma du Marchie Sarvaas

Aspect Workers

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Alexis Bjrksten Fonjallaz

Anna Kwok
Cheyenne Cranston
Daniel Rey Rosas
Hamza Jalil Albasit
Isak Christensen
Mar Oostermejier Prat
Patrick Zhang
Solveig Vanniez-Salvesen
Sophia Hejndorf
Valeriia Vakhitova

Akmaral Janat
From the United States of America
Running for:
Finland House
Representative

Finland House has repeatedly shown its strength during house competitions and
during times of despair. As a candidate for the house representative, I believe in
the potential of this house. It is important to ensure that Finland House has more
interaction, spirit and unity in the upcoming year. During my past seven months,
FH-ers have inspired me to run as a candidate and bring forth the vision and
courage to reinvent this place. There are certain things in FH that would have to
change, but not change for changes sake but change to preserve the ideals and
goals of FH. Each generation of FH-ers must define what it means to be an FH-er,
and it is our time to shine on the overlooked aspects of this House.
If elected, I think it necessary to have more FH gatherings, such as hot chocolate
nights during connect time, house brunches, campfires or karaoke nights.
Additionally, I would like to preserve FH as a safe place where students can share
their thoughts and troubles. It may also be a good idea to have a monthly house
meetings for students to bring up any complaints, concerns or ideas so that I can
implement or solve them. The most important things is that FH becomes a place
where students feel safe and united. If we have unity in the house, I think things
like house competitions and spirits will take care of themselves.
Though our challenges seem fearsome, so are our strengths. This generation of
FH-ers have been questing, spirited and hopeful. I would be honored to help
make FH a safe home for all the upcoming students and the current students,
and I would give nothing but my best effort.

Alejandra Acuna
From Paraguay
Running for:
Iceland House
Representative

My name is Alejandra Acua. And I am lucky to live in Iceland House. In the past
six and a half months that Ive been living at this house, Ive learned to live in a
community, to cooperate so we can have a peaceful atmosphere. I consider
Iceland House as my home. It is, indeed, my home for the two years I am staying
here. It is the place where 40 people, have to learn how to live together and take
care of the house.
I want to be a house representative because I love this house. Theres no other
reason behind. I love this house, and I really believe that if we work together with
the house mentor as one, we can keep improving our life quality in our
community while were here. My plan is to listen to everyone, and make our
voices be heard. I want people to see me as an approachable person that
everyone can bring their concerns to.
Also, I want to see Iceland House as the most enthusiastic and full of energy (as
Reidun said) house. I want everyone to see Iceland House as the best house on
campus. I like the house spirit, and I want to keep it up. The house spirit is
something really important, because if there is house spirit, there is love for the
house, and if there is love for the house, and if there is love for the house, there
is more respect and consideration to take care of the house.

Alexis Bjrksten
Fonjallaz
From Sweden
Running for:

Aspect Worker

The student council at RCN is presented as a forum for internal discussion, and
as a mouthpiece for the students outwards towards teachers and the admin. It is
supposed to be our voice at this school - the school that ultimately is our life for
two years. Despite its good intentions and its benevolence, we cannot deny that
the student council is a source of irritation for many students. I have to be
honest; when people started asking me whether I wanted to run or not, I was not
the person who said yes without flinching. On the contrary, I was quite unsure.
This is based on multiple things, but mainly that I have felt uncomfortable with
the hierarchy that is created with the student council and the feeling of
inaccessibility that I think I share with many in the student body. Nonetheless, I
want to be able to contribute to this community and I feel like the student council
would be the forum where I can contribute the most. In the case that I would get
elected, Id do my best to give my co-years, our future first years and my second
years a feeling of inclusion in the student council. My goal is not to be elected as
a politician but rather as a spokesperson. I hope that I will be able to contribute
with my experience of boards in Swedish youth politics, while still adapting it to
this environment, where what we need is not a leader but an accessible
representative of the student body.

Andres
Bustamante
From Peru
Running for:
Communication
Representative

When I first came to the school, I was amazed of how things worked. I learned so
many things throughout these months; I believe it is time for me to give
something back. I want to become part of the Student Council because I want to
help improving the community we are all living in. The willingness that I have to
find solutions to problems encouraged me to apply. I chose Communication
Representative because I think that this would be the position that fits the most
with what I can offer. The work of the Communication Representative is to
improve the communication between the Student Council and the student body
and I strongly believe is crucial to make sure every single opinion is heard and,
everyone feels that they have a say on the decision-making in the school
matters. As a Communication Representative, I would also focus on encouraging
everyone to express their opinions and ideas, regardless of some difficulties such
as lack of confidence in another language or difficulties with presenting ideas to
other people. I want every opinion to be heard and included.
If I am selected for this position I will always keep in mind that the Student
Council requires team-work and if we are organized correctly, the process is more
efficient and the final product is better. In my position, I will do my best to make
sure that other members of the Student Council will have whatever document
they need in the shortest time possible. I am aware that this is going to be a big
challenge for me, that there will be nights of no sleep or countless work.
However, I want you to know that you can trust me and that I will do my best for
a better and more inclusive RCN.

Anna Kwok
From Hong Kong
Running for:
Iceland House
Representative
Aspect Worker

Anna is running for Iceland House Representative and Aspect Worker! Which
Anna? Anna Kwok,/Fungi/Baobao/HongKong After these 300 words, you will
know.
As an Iceland Houser, I have had many unforgettable moments with my fellow
housemates, from shouting slogans to snowball fights against Sweden House.
This house gave many of us our first sense of belonging. But do we really love
our house from the bottom of our hearts? House spirit is not just about house
events; its also about the connections with people under the same roof. A
friendly and observant house representative has to take initiative to get people
involved and solve problems ahead to strengthen this house spirit; I will listen to
all your concerns and help tackle each obstacle, influencing Iceland Housers to
unite. This is how I love Iceland House; Iceland House on the top!
If Iceland House is the Earth, then RCN is the universe. Even though we live close
to each other, we are often enclosed in our own circles that limit us from knowing
more people. I believe having all-rounded extra-curricular activities can break
these barriers and connect people together smoothly and meaningfully. After
having organised various events, I realised how these activities encourage us to
know more people, and discover different sides of the ones beside us. Interesting
ideas are often heard in this campus, but someone has to take the lead and
actualise these words. I am experienced, capable and confident enough to be
this initiative-taker and enrich your life here.
I promise to bring you plenty of fun opportunities to your RCN life to something
more than the IB, non-stop rainfall and dull daily routine. Whether to take this
chance or not, it is now all up to you.

Cheers,
Anna Kwok

Antonia
Reininger
From Austria
Running for:
Denmark House
Representative

Hello!
So Im Toni and I want to be the House Rep. of Denmark House (I know, who
would have expected that as Im writing this application essay)! I guess I dont
really need to introduce myself, weve known each other for more than half a
year now, but of course I want to tell you why I want to do it.
So I expect this to be a job mainly connected to organization of events, and as
Im really into this, I think this would be a great task for me. I also think that I am
a good listener and have the courage to speak up for the students so I could
represent the houses interests and concerns very well. I know that you all know
that I have already taken responsibility as a cleaning boss and while this is a nice
thing to do I think that I can do more than reminding people to do their dishes.
When I start doing something and take the responsibility for a project I am very
committed to it and am willing to spend much time and dedication. Even if
something does not work out as well as I want it to I try to keep up my
motivation and energy and do my best! I would be very glad if you gave me the
chance to show my capabilities!
Toni

Balder Morsund
From Norway
Running for:

Board Representative

The reason why I want to be a board representative, is

because I want to work for you, and I want to achieve. And what do I want to
achieve? I want to see you be able to do what you want to do, and even more. I
want to increase your possibilities, and decrease your limitations. And this
thought will be a foundation for all my actions as a board representative, in every
discussion, in every decision. This means working so you can choose the subjects
you want, that you can fulfill your projects and live the life you want to live here.
I will be there for you, and will fight hard for what matters to you.

My job also lies in the student council, where I will support the Student Council
chair in enabling efficient, democratic and well functioning processes, enabling a
student council with power to make a positive change for our community. Work
with the chair to try to innovate and see if changes can be made in the structure
in order to make the student council the best possibly fitted it can be to serve
the community.

And all this is well and good, but what makes me think that I can achieve all of
this? I have a lot of earlier experience with student council, serving as chair for a
school of 13-19 year old when I was 14, also as the board representative, and as
vice chair at my the school I went to the year before I came here. I also served as
leader in the Oslo Student Union, and for the Oslo Central Youth Council. This has
given me a lot of valuable experience relevant to the job as a board
representative, which I intend to use for your benefit.

Bassie Turay
From Sierra Leone
Running for:
Communication
Representative
Sweden House
Representative

I am Bassie Turay, an individual with a rare opportunity of being in a dynamic

community like UWCRCN, thus I feel indebted to give back in any way possible.
Rendering service in the kitchen or engaging norwegian kids in sports are little
ways I give back. I do not wish to stop at that, with leadership skills honed and a
drive for excellent service I am running for RCN Student Council in the positions
of Sweden House and Communications representative.
I believe I possess skills, qualities and spirit to push for things becoming better in
our community in whichever position Im elected into. Im interested in being
communications representative because, I have experience and acquired
knowledge to do well in the position having been childrens journalist for 3 years
as presenter of the then United Nations Radio in Freetown, also gaining valuable
skills here at RCN doing minutes for SAFUGE and Food Committee where I serve
as student member. My goal is to bring the student body closer to the student
council through effective relaying of information in easy and accessible ways.
One thing im also highly passionate about here is Sweden House, and with
connectedness to the house, I want to run for house representative to help
maintain house spirit, take up responsibility to care for my fellow housers, use
personal experiences within the house to foster a close-knitted family, motivate
others to continued extracurricular house success, which indirectly will influence
the school populace as a whole positively.
I would really be grateful to have the opportunity to take up responsibility to
serve being committed, energetic, spirited and willing to learn. There is no I in
TEAM, the student council is all of us. At this end, the decision is for the student
councils 14th member to make, YOU!

Cheyenne
Cranston
From Canada
Running for:

Chairperson
Aspect Worker

As part of the RCN community, I feel it is my responsibility to do everything in my

power to create as positive an environment as possible, which is why I would like
to be part of student council. RCN should be a place of listening, acceptance and
compassion, where everyone feels that they have a voice and an ability to
generate positive change in terms of the way life is run here. If elected to
student council, I would strive to create more transparency between the student
body and the admin, and to create an environment as open and as comfortable
as possible within the student council meetings themselves. Having an
organized, communicative and well-run student council is one of the best tools
for creating the best RCN life possible, and I want to contribute as much as
possible to achieve this.
RCN is a place of great diversity, whether that be in terms of personality, culture,
nationality, language or anything else, and I believe that it is important for the
student council to reflect this diversity. I would like to open discussion on how we
can ensure that student council is properly expressing the views of everyone on
campus that has ideas to share, as well as implement some new strategies to
increase cultural and gender diversity amongst the student council. Some of
these strategies would include a student council breakfast at the beginning of
the year to encourage participation, and creating a platform which allows
students to have a member of student council present their proposals for them in
meetings if they are not comfortable speaking. Everyone in our community has
the right to a voice in student council meetings, and nobody should find
themselves unable to express ideas or concerns simply because they dont feel
comfortable speaking.

Dan Mulco
From Moldova
Running for:
Iceland House
Representative

I have never been a member of the student council in previous schools, so if I

succeed, then this will be my first experience of this kind. Regarding my plans as
a possible house rep., I cannot say that I will make the house perfect, but what I
can promise, is that I will do my best to make the lives of all the Iceland
Houseres funnier, and that more activities within the house will be organized in
order to increase the house spirit. One of the problems that I am confronting in
this house and what I would want to change is the cleaning system to which I
have precise solutions (if somebody is interested, he/she can approach me and I
will give a detailed explanation).
P.S.
In this essay I did not write about me (with the exceptions of the first
sentence), because for me it is more important what a person can and wants to
do than the background of the person.
Whiskey, brandy, lollipop, Iceland House on the top

Daniel Rey Rosas

From Colombia
Running for:
Denmark House
Representative
Aspect Worker

Since our life at the College is intense, support and dialogue are very much
needed. I consider myself a very communicative, straightforward person who
enjoys being approached, listening, serving others and attempting realistic goals
without fearing difficulties. Joining the Student Council would enable me to fulfill
my desire of helping with improvements of any kind that are yet to be made at
RCN.
For this reason, I dont hesitate to represent Denmark House in the SC so the
members of my house know they can always count on me. I commit to speak up
and promote together the construction of a special house identity that can
impact our community. Apart from this, as we are permanently involved in
learning processes, I consider that by working in the Academic Committee I could
contribute with fresh ideas so as to make our academic life here more bearable
and why not, enjoyable.
The work that has been made in the SC for the last year is worth it and I would
like to take part in continuing this labour in order to generate a better space for
everyone. Instead of meaning a sacrifice of time, representing Denmark House
and/or working in the Academic Committee is one of the best investments that I
could make, bringing up solutions would be a very rewarding experience for me
and the others around me. Rather than only pressures, our College has the
potential to become a much more fruitful and integrated community, it just
depends on us.

Emma du Marchie
Servaas
From Netherland

Running for:
Norway House
Representative

Being a house rep means you have a big responsibility in the house, but also on
campus. You have to be the person people can trust and feel comfortable enough
with to go to. But people don't only have to continue to you, you also have to go
to them; speak, listen, have tea and know what is going on in your house. This is
all to create a better house spirit and increase the feeling of unity within a house.
I would love to follow Jonas up as house rep of Norway House to create a safe
and warm 'home' in Norway House. I'm willing to put a lot of time and effort in
the house, because always remember: NORWAY GOES BOOM DYNAMITE,
NORWAY GOES BOOK DYNAMITE. NORWAY GOES TIK TIK TIK TIK TIK TIK TIK TIK
BOOM DYNAMITE!

Erik berg
From Sweden
Running for:
Denmark House
Representative

Dear Denmark Housers,

Let me express my deepest gratitude for having the privilege of addressing the
house in this essay.
We have all heard that Denmark House is not the best house, or even that we
are the worst house. Having this perceived image of DH is a serious issue that
must be dealt with. I remember coming to the college and immediately being
influenced by the negative comments about DH. While I do not believe that this
is true, we have several areas of improvement. Our most pressing concern is the
lack of unity which in turn affects our house spirit negatively.
Then, what can I contribute to improve the mentality among us? I believe that I
possess the qualities of a great house representative; approachable, energetic
and willing to put DH's voice above my own. As your house representative I will
be your voice in student council and work towards our common goal of becoming
a greater house. To achieve this we must deal with the separation between lower
and upper flower. During the first term it took long to realize who actually was in
the house, and still today we are far from being as united as we could be. To
create a better atmosphere one of my proposals is to have a monthly tea session
between two different rooms, starting off with rooms from different floors.
My vision is to change our attitude towards DH, so that eventually a change
within us will be recognized by the other houses as well. But for now our focus is
to unite the house, improving it for us and for the 1st years that are to come.
Thank you for your time,
Erik berg

Hamza Jalil
Albasit
From Pakistan
Running for:
Communication
Representative
Aspect Worker

You wont read this essay; youre smart enough to make personal
opinions.
How can we develop better communication when these essays meant to be a
communication bridge between candidates and student-body wont be read at
all? This is a single example of how much we lack when it comes to
communications between not only the student-body and administration but
within the student-body itself. I see a communication gap between us; I believe
that we as a student body-have failed. And will keep on failing until we
overcome this barrier, until we dont let people be in shadows thinking that as
everything on surface is fine-everything else is fine as well, until there is nothing
like communication gap. The duty of the communication-representative is (I
believe) not only to send emails, minutes, maintain websites etc BUT also to
develop better communications, to make sure that things what the student-body
or admin feels, thinks, proposes is delivered to the other party in a smooth way,
a way which leads to proper development and solutions. When people say that
admin doesnt know about their issue, I say indeed it doesnt. We can keep on
complaining and shouting but the concrete solution is to make structures and
look for solutions. Im not running for chair although I have an experience,
experience as chair in a country like Pakistan (where student-council is just a
puppet) and I have worked really hard against it. I feel that the school needs a
perfect communication-rep and I find myself best for this position. Now the
question is: Will you keep on complaining about bad communications
with others or will you trust this guy who seems stupid, hilarious and
non-serious for you but claims to be trust-worthy, hard-working and
realizes what needs to be realized by the student-body?

Ines Sderstrm
From Finland
Running for:
Iceland House
Representative

I, Ines, am running to become Iceland Houses house representative. I decided to

only run for the position of being house representative because of it being such a
diverse position with different meaningful tasks. By being house rep you are also
offered a spot in the student council, and that is also something that I want to do.
All student council members are in their different ways approachable and
capable of speaking up for themselves and other students. I have had past
experience in being the chair and secretary of my previous schools student
council, and I found it very rewarding. I think the previous experience I have had
back in Finland could contribute positively to our schools student council. If I
would be elected I would try my best to speak for the whole student body in
whatever committee I would be placed in. Also as a house rep I would try to bring
the house spirit to the best possible level by organizing multiple events and
competitions within the house. I believe that a house rep should be openminded, positive and creative person, especially during the crucial time of the
new first-years arrival when the house has to make its new inhabitants feel
welcomed and enthusiastic about this place. This does not mean that the
second-years would be any lesser, I would definitely try to bring the two different
year groups closer within the house. I feel like Izman did a great job as house
representative and he proved how fun the position of house rep can be, and I
would like to continue with his legacy, of course by bringing Iceland House to the
win in the inter-house competition

Isak Christensen
From Denmark
Running for:

Aspect Worker

My name is Isak and I am running as aspect worker.

This is because I believe this college has yet to use an
untapped resource: The student body.
If I get elected as aspect worker I hope to either work in the EAC-committee or
the Residential Committee.
A development I would like to see in the EAC-committee is more students taking
initiative and responsibility in developing the EAC-program by starting new EACs.
The way I think we can improve this is to make it more clear how to start an EAC.
Another way I think we could improve student initiative is by having groups of
students working on a specific project (e.g. PBLs, EACs). The students will be
accountable and have more influence on our college.
The reason I hope for residential committee is the issue of mental health, which
for way too long has been neglected. I would like to see a mental health
education introduced in the beginning of the academic year informing students
of the fact that mental health issues exist at RCN and it should provide us with
tools to work with our own health.
I dont believe having a full-time psychologist is the whole solution, but we have
to look into the possibility of having a psychologist coming more often. But
improving the awareness of mental health issues as well as informing students
how to help each other through a difficult time, is something I think we, as a
community, would benefit from.
Mental health has to be of a much bigger priority. We have to deal with this issue,
since the well-being of the students is essential for the UWC-experience for the
individual student and our community.
This is why I am running for the Student Council. Any questions? Just approach
me! DH 102!

Katrine sterby
From Denmark
Running for:
Sweden House
Representative

Hello!
I would like to be part of the student council because I find it important to work
on ideas and wishes from the student body in order to keep improving and
developing this college. I know that being part of the student council comes with
responsibility and requires hard work, and I would be willing to put great effort
into the job and to work hard.
The first thing that really made me feel at home at this campus was the first time
I experienced the spirit and the cooperation within Sweden House. This is one of
the things that are really driving me and making me passionate about becoming
the house representative. In such an intense place like this, with so many things
happening all the time, I believe it is very important with a sense of community
not only within the student body, but also within a house. I see being a house
representative as a wonderful opportunity to contribute with everything I have in
order to represent the house, listen, work on making a difference, and to keep up
the amazing spirit and atmosphere that met me when I first came to this college.
I would enjoy being part of a committee, working on improving that part of the
college, representing the student body and committing to my job.
I know that being in the student council, being a house representative and being
an in a committee requires hard work and a willingness to give it a high priority. I
am ready to take up the challenge and to do my very best.
Katrine sterby

Mar Oostermeijer Prat

From Netherland
Running for:
Iceland House
Representative
Aspect Worker

I am actually interested in almost all committees but the academic an IT

committee, because I do not think I am qualified enough to be in one of those.
The reason why I want to be in the student council is because I like to solve
problems. Improvement doesn't only happen by finding solutions, but also
communicate with all sides of this community. Sometimes solutions are already
there, they just need a little push to authorities to realize them. I think it would
be fun to be part of a group that is allowed to give that push on behalf of the
student body. I mean talking to the admin, etc. and express our thoughts, with
respect.
Thank you,
Mar

Nimra Nadeem
From Pakistan
Running for:

Chairperson

Ive been a passive condemner of things I feel are

wrong with RCN for the past year and to be honest I
dont think all these subtle problems have a solution. Thats why I would have
never imagined myself running for the elections. However, I realized that despite
all the bubbles that were burst and the edifices that have collapsed, somewhere
deep inside there is a part of me that continues to be idealistic about RCN, a part
of me that still believes there is something we could do right to fix all that is so
incredibly wrong (had to take out the details of what I feel is wrong because the
list became too extensive :p). I believe so because, in spite of all the
disappointments, this is a place where a few honest words can move people to
tears, where people care enough to be disturbed by what is wrong, where we are
not immune or numb to the pain of others we are just often unaware of it.
I confess that I dont have any grand plans for the future, because I dont think
thats what this is about. Nevertheless, I want to help an existing structure like
the Student Council to become increasingly open and approachable for
everyone. I want people to see that the Council is not an authoritative body,
rather a forum that assists every individual of the student body to feel that they
dont stand alone. I want to hope that some basic goodness can make us less
cynical than we have become about this place. I want to believe that the
idealism we all came here with was not in vain. That may sound childishly nave,
but this remains the only place where I may dare to be nave.

Pablo Esquivel
From Costa Rica
Running for:
Sweden House
Representative

We live in a house where all its members considered themselves as part of a

family. Thats one of the reasons why Im here running for the place to become
the next House Representative of Sweden House: The glory of the sense of
Family. I believe that is something that characterize Sweden House and make it
stand out between all the others: Its members are really close.
This place is full of wonders, but also theres a big room for improvement. Like
everything, nothing is perfect. Personally I see Sweden House as a place that I
found a lot of things to improve, like the Dayroom/House cleaning with clear
hours for when people can/cant do it to make things smoothly and effective. Or
maybe more House Interaction between rooms like dinners or games, bringing
more closeness to the community and not only make Sweden House as the place
that you sleep and take showers, but also a place that you feel comfortable in.
I believe that the position of the House Representative is not about if youre
capable or not; it is about how much dedication, and most importantly love, you
deliver to do your tasks. Also, communication and understanding of different
situations and how to solve them, will be a key factor and how everything about
the House will work.
I consider myself as someone that can spread warmness and caring to its
members, because I feel that theyre my family. Therefore, Pablo being the
House Representative will bring enthusiasm and joy to every activity.
The legacy is here, so we as a new generation of swedenhousers we have the
power to make a change, and start to spread more sunshine in the sunniest
house on Campus.

Patrick Zhang

From China
Running for:
Sweden House
Representative
Aspect Worker

Im Patrick Zhang and I would like to run for Sweden

House Representative and aspect worker in academic
committee. Since I came here, UWCRCN has broadened my horizons and
enriched my experiences. As a student benefited from the diverse backgrounds
and opinions of the student body, I feel the need to contribute to the
development of this community and serve you to the best of my abilities. I
specifically want to be in these two positions for several reasons as below:
First of all, I realized being such roles not only requires the candidate to be
enthusiastic but also demands one to be capable and responsible of
implementing the duties. And I see myself having the qualities for these work.
Secondly, I believe there is a huge potential of enhancing both areas and I would
like to be the person who helps representing students opinions and making
positive changes based on the concerns.
My primary proposals are as follow:
1.
to increase the entertainment facilities in the dayroom (e.g. applying to
fund to purchase boardgames for the house etc.) and house bounding
time (e.g. house trip, picnic, house movie time etc.)
2.
to improve the dayroom cleaning system and reinforce individuals
house cleaning responsibility
3.
to make feedback week responses anonymous to avoid students
discomfort of voicing their opinions
4.
to create a clear timeline and an informative brochure for everyone of
important deadlines, test dates, test types, college application
reminders etc.
Last but not the least, my previous experience working as a teaching assistant
and volunteer club leader gives me knowledge of communicating with others and
working together as a team. I truly believe that the lessons I learned before will
be advantageous for the running of either Sweden house or student body as a
whole.

Rachele Dal Cin

From Italy
Running for:
Finland House
Representative

My name is Rachele Dal Cin and Im from Italy. Since before coming to RCN I had
asked myself how all of our lives as students here would change, namely in what
way residential life, studying spaces and intercultural socializing would blend in
such a small space and in such a short time. The answer? The five houses, or
better the concept of sharing the same building, same common spaces and rules
with other 40 people. However, Finland House, in my case, grew to be much
more than just that, becoming more and more like an extended version of my
own house more than just a dorm and giving me the opportunity to know my
fellow students better, bonding in the dayroom or simply chatting around. The
more time passed, the more I connected and got involved with the other
students in my house in very many different ways; I started to feel like their the
concerns, propositions, opinions were extremely relevant to me and, more
importantly, have to be heard, even where and when our individual voices
cannot. This together with many others is the reason of my candidacy for Finland
House Representative, because I believe all sensible voices should have a time to
be heard, all issues, big or small as they might be, should be addressed and each
and every person respected. I hope I will have the opportunity to continue the
extremely good job done, challenge myself in the process and give a service,
even if small, to the whole community. Finally, I trust that, together with all my
fellow housemates, we will keep up and enhance our house spirit, solidarity,
cooperation and respect during the year to come, welcoming and setting up a
healthy home for our future first years.

Solveig VanniezSalvesen
From Norway
Running for:

Chairperson
Aspect Worker

In each community I have been in, I have in some way try to actively help and
contribute to it. Whether it was through the involvement in the student council at
my previous school or being part of the youth in council in my county, or taking
leadership at the Youth Red Cross. I have always tried to be involved in the
community, to in some ways contribute to its development and also try to
understand better how to create a better environment.
Many of the reasons why I would like to join the student council revolves around
the fact that I would like to have a greater involvement in the student body and
the RCN community as whole. For many it would sound clich and probably quite
banal. However as a student at RCN it is important for me to participate in the
development of the community for my co-years but also to develop for the better
for future generations of RCNers.
I believe that our community needs and would greatly benefit from more
initiatives like RCN today, which should be implemented on a more regular basis.
A platform where the student body can discuss freely and openly about issues
that affect our community. Through this, I believe that it will then be easier to
target the needs and improvements of our environment. And then be able to
create a better communication between the student body and EMT and the
administration. A better communication would then eventually set the basis to
improve any issues that might occur within the student body. And therefore help
to create a better community and set the basis for a better working community
in the future.

Sophia Hejndorf
From Denmark
Running for:
Finland House
Representative
Aspect Workersolveig

Dearest Finland Housers

I believe you all know me fairly well (if not, this is your formal invitation to pay a
visit to 102). Probably you also got a fair idea of whether you could envision me
as your house rep. However I will ask you to read on and wonder a bit.
I spent my day wondering what I would tell you, when you ask me Why do you
want to be our house representative?. I realised that inside the small
community of RCN we, Finland House, are an even smaller community. All of us
need to contribute to make this place our place. Somewhere to find the safe and
comfortable feeling of home. The responsibility is all the time shared between
all of us.
So why do I want to become house rep? After careful consideration, I figured that
I am prepared to carry an extra chunk of the responsibility to make Finland
House our place and, more importantly, the community of Finland Housers a
warm and strong one.
I am willing to put both more time and effort into our community and also to
sincerely represent you in the Student Council.
Thank you for taking your time to read and wonder.
Yours, Sophia

Sven Herman
Holmsen
From Norway
Running for:

Chairperson

I am a man whose name is as difficult to determine as your election to the chair.

Raised to believe that the power of RCN is only held by the 2nd years, I now
understand that it is the 1st years that have the power for only 3 months.
Personally, I believe that a leader is not elected but made. At my football team
back home there was a lack of an appointed captain. However, all my friends
naturally stood by my side, not because of the desire to not be a captain, but
because of the respect they had for me.
Another defining moment happened two years ago when my role model died. Its
not Nelson Mandela, but my grandfather. Nelson Mandela was locked in jail for 27
years, but my grandfather died in his own jail, a paralysation from his neck for
over 40 years. I compared these men and I realized that we have made the
concept of leadership to something bigger than us, something world changing,
and it shouldn't be like this. Nelson Mandela changed the world, but my
grandfather changed my life. To be a leader is not only about changing the world,
because if you elect me then I can only make a small but significant difference.
Furthermore, knowing my possibilities I can work with the small ideas, and all the
small ideas can maybe together make a change.
To be chosen for the honourable duty I would use my elected power to do
whatever it takes to improve the community. With the support of the society I am
dedicated to make this a better place for future generations.

Tao Gadd
From United Kingdom
Running for:
Representative

Sweden House

Ive spent a lot of time thinking about what exactly to say right now and it has
proven difficult. Its a struggle to put all of my thoughts and emotions about this
into words, this is why Im hoping that my actions will speak louder than my
words. This term I have been thinking a lot about how people perceive me and
whether or not people take me seriously. I want to be house representative for
Sweden House, so therefore its important that people take me seriously. I want
to bring my house together and be a voice that accurately represents them, but
thats not all, as a member of the student council I want to represent everybody, I
just feel that my skills would fit best to being a house rep. and thats also where
my heart lies. I hope that you agree with me when I say that Im approachable
and easy to talk to, I do the absolute best that I can, especially when it comes to
something that Im passionate about, such as this. Im eager to bring positivity
and guidance to my house. I genuinely find student council interesting and have
a history of being heavily involved in such things, its something that Im excited
about. Im a person that you can rely on to always get the job done and to do the
best of my ability. I want to be house representative because the role goes
beyond just being a member of student council, you also look after the people in
your house and people should be able to feel like they can rely on you and come
to you in times of need. I want to have that role and I hope that you see that Im
suited to it.
Thank you.

Ulrikke Larsen
From Denmark
Running for:
Representative

Denmark House

Hi my wonderful friends,
I am (as you know) Ulrikke from Denmark, and ironically enough I also live in
Denmark House. I would really like, in one or another way, to be part of the
Student Council, because I see it as an extremely important part of our school,
which I would like support, bring forward and contribute to the best I can. I would
be really happy to be the House Representative for Denmark House, and I would
do my best to bring House Spirit in unlimited amounts, and take good care of
everyone and everything in our house. If not House Rep, I would also be more
than happy to be part of other committees, where my favorites would be
humanitarian or environmental, but again I am willing to be flexible.
I don't think I will write much more, thank you for reading.

Valeriia
Vakhitova
From Russian Federation
Running for:

Aspect Worker

Food is one of the most imponent components to maintain mental and physical
health. If I am chosen as a food committee representative, I will do my best to
improve the quality of food and increase the quantity of fruits. I have been a
kitchen EAC member from the beginning of this academic year and it helped me
gain a better understanding of the kitchen from the inside and see how it works.
During my kitchen shifts, I managed to establish friendly relationships with all
the kitchen staff, and I realized how much they lack students gratitude.
Therefore, I will try to make the interaction between the students and the kitchen
staff more friendly. Due to this intention, I started to take pictures of kitchen staff
in order to hang a stand with their pictures, names and countries in the cantina.
So when you need to ask for additional food or something else, you can approach
them knowing who you are talking with. This small gesture will contribute to the
better relationship. Furthermore, I suggest to announce about the food
committee meetings one day before so that those people who were not able to
come to student council meeting can bring their proposals to me or email me,
and I can discuss them with with kitchen staff.
So now is the time for you to decide. Even if I do not get elected, I promise that I
will end the above-mentioned stand and keep on helping kitchen staff to improve
our meals.