Campus Celebrity: Iona Harriskine

As it’s so very nearly the Christmas holidays and we’re all thinking about snow and all things fun (or at least I am!), Her Campus Leeds got talking to this year’s Leeds Snowriders Social Sec, Iona Harriskine. 

1. Hi Iona, tell us a bit about yourself – where are you from, what are you studying, what are your interests?

Hello there! I’m a southern lady from the depths of Dorset, I study Theatre and Performance (lol) unfortunately I think I love skiing more. Other than that I love to eat a lot. I used to do so many activities as a child, now … I’m in a kind of cycle where I go to uni, sometimes sleep, sometimes party, sometimes ski and that’s basically my life at the moment. It’s what I love to do so I’m not complaining. 

2.  Tell us about how you first got involved with Snowriders and, for those who don’t know, a bit about why it’s so awesome!

I’d heard about the Snowriders before I came to Leeds (one of the reason I picked it) and after doing a season you kind of realise that people who like to ski and board also like to have a lot of fun. I first got involved at one of the weekly trips to Cas we run on Thursdays which is like a freestyle/progression night. After the first session I was completely stoked because everyone helps each other out which means new tricks AND new buds. Winner. I could go on telling you how awesome it is, but I would encourage anyone to come to anything Snowriders related and you will have a RAD time!

3. So, what made you want to become Social Sec?

Although last year I was really involved in the club, it just wasn’t enough! There are 9 of us committee members that run the 1000 + member club so it’s a big old undertaking! Social sec is a really fun role (which is why I wanted to do it) and it allows me to meet loads of new people and get as many people involved as possible, when we’re not skiing, we’re drinking, and it’s fun to organise that part of things!

4. What does the role involve?

So we have a social every month whether it is leading up to a holiday, or just an excuse to partay. It does take a bit of planning but it’s definitely getting easier! I’m trying to keep the socials as varied as possible, we recently had one where everyone had to bring their own drinking vessel: a hollowed out fruit, there were many soggy pineapples! If you haven’t been to one yet, it’s definitely a must-go. We’ll be having our next one after Christmas so keep your eyes peeled! I have also started to organise our Snow Ball which is happening late February and it’s suuuucchh a fun night where we pretend we’re sophisticated but really we get pissed and throw lots of cake at each other.

5. What’s the next step for Snowriders? What exciting plans/events do you have coming up?

SO MANY! So we are leaving for our Christmas trip to Tignes this Friday and we’re taking 400 people so it’s going to be maaad! We run 2 big ski trips a year, so, the one coming up and an even bigger one at Easter, where we’re going to the infamous Val Thorens! This year as well though we’re also going to AMSTERDAM in late January for a weekend of fun and skiing in the largest snow dome known to man! I’m very hyped. 

6.  How can students get involved?

There’s various ways everyone can get involved, it’s awesome because people can be involved as much or as little as they like. So we run weekly trips to both Castleford (indoor snowdome) and Rossendale (dry slope) where people who want to try out / improve their skills at either racing or freestyle have the opportunity to do that. HOWEVER, we like to see as many new faces as possible. Recently we were lucky enough to be able to run super discounted ski/board lessons for beginners at our local snow dome, and people can also learn to ski/board on our ski trips for really cheap which is sweet! The ski trips are literally the highlight of the year, so even if it means eating beans for a month it’s completely worth it!

7. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

If you like the sound of anything I’ve mentioned at all, come have a chat with us in the Terrace. We’re there every Monday- Thursday at 12:30 – 1:30! Alternatively, add us on Facebook ‘Leeds Snowriders’ or become a member on the union website… that entitles you to come on our trips, weekly sessions, cheaper socials and our weekly newsletter WOOHOO!