A fledgling pilot, Luise is currently in her final year of studying English Literature with Sustainability, and an active member of the London Region Committee. Here she tells us a little more about herself and her involvement with the ESU.
Tell us a bit about your current interests
I really enjoy a challenge and in my spare time I’m working on completing my private pilot’s licence which has been my goal since I was an air cadet at 14. I also volunteer within Girlguiding and I enjoy planning exciting trips and experiences for the unit. Most recently I have been accepted onto a Guiding Overseas Linked with Development (GOLD) programme to work alongside Girlguiding in Nigeria which I am most looking forward to.
When did you first hear about the ESU?
Through another ESU member, Zaynab. She connected my love of literature and debates with non-profit work and I’m very glad she did!
How and why did you become involved?
I wanted to get involved so that more opportunities could be made available to students and to do this I first started by judging the ESU-Churchill Public Speaking competitions. This really sealed the deal for my understanding of the ESU and why their work is so important, oracy is such a vital skill for all.
When did you join the London branch committee and what do you do for it?
I joined just recently and as of the AGM in December I have now taken on the role of Event and Memberships Coordinator. I am so excited for what the next year will entail! One of my goals for the year is to focus on filling up the calendar with more events and creating more regular clubs for members.
What do you feel you get out of your ESU membership?
I feel like you get out exactly what you put into the ESU and then some! Everyone at the ESU has been so welcoming and it has given me the platform to further explore my passions for non-profit organisations. I also really enjoy the creative freedom within the ESU to pursue new projects that support the ESU’s mission.
Whom do you admire and why?
Ninotschka, my mother. She has built her own mentoring company from the ground up and has demonstrated the true meaning of altruism. I hope to develop even a quarter of the compassion that she has but also her ability to learn and adapt by accepting help when required – her Zoom skills, for instance, have overtaken mine!
Tell us something surprising about you?
Although I can fly and sail, I still do not have my driver’s license.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Completing the London Landmarks Half Marathon over the summer. I would consider it my greatest achievement because when I was born there were multiple concerns over whether I’d be able to walk, let alone run. For this reason, I have a large amount of gratitude for my health and I hope to use my experiences to motivate others.
Find out how you can volunteer to judge our competitions like Luise.
