Name: Ava Nasiri
Candidate position: VP Administration
Year: 3
Major: Political Science and International Relations (Double Major)
Hometown: Tehran, Iran
1. What inspired you to run for this position? Tell us a little bit about yourself and why you chose to run for VP Admin in the AMS elections this year.
My name is Ava Nasiri and I am in my third year studying International Relations and Political Science. I’m currently the VP Internal of the Arts Undergraduate Society and a Student Leader with UBC Jumpstart. I have been heavily involved with schools and my local community since the age of 12, and you could say active involvement is one of the pillars of my lifestyle. My involvement at UBC over the past three years has inspired me to run for the position of AMS VP Administration so that I may share my knowledge and experience with the greater UBC community. If you’d like information on my experience or platform its all available at www.voteava.com.
2. What will be your top priorities if you are elected?
a) Making sure that the new SUB is completed in a timely mannerb) Ensuring that a system for professional development is put in place to train Club and Constituency Executivesc) Beginning the planning process for a celebration of interculturalism on campus in line with the UBC strategic plan!
3. How will you ensure that these goals are accomplished?
By starting my term off strongly, making sure that the teams that I work with are functioning cohesively and that every individual involved is held clearly accountable for their duties.
4. Why are you the most qualified candidate?
I am good with working with teams and individuals and this is a necessary skill for VP Admin. I also have an extensive knowledge of how clubs work and how to provide clubs with the necessary resources without infringing on their autonomy as this is what I’ve been doing for the past year as VP Internal. My leadership style is very collaborative and I am confident in my ability to learn facts about the AMS. What makes me the most qualified is that the experience I have interacting with people and clubs and chairing meetings must happen first hand and cannot be learned like facts about the structure of the AMS.
5. What particular experiences or people have influenced you the most?
I immigrated to Canada from Iran when I was 5 years old. The reason my family moved here was so that I could go receive an education with the right to decide what I want to study and where. The higher education system in Iran is very different than what we have here. I realize the caliber of opportunity before me as a UBC student both in terms of academics as well as involvement. I am grateful to my parents for coming to Canada and this influences me to make the most of my experience and do my best to improve the experience of those around me.
Digging Deeper
1. Could you tell us something about yourself that the majority of voters are not aware of?
I love rapping to Kanye West at The Gallery on Tuesdays. It’s a bit ridiculous, but I went through a gangster rap phase in highs chool that I never completely got over.
2. What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learnt during your time at UBC?
Life is too short to be stressed over the little things. We’re blessed to receive an education at such an incredible institution surrounded by so much nature and diversity. I’ve learned to do my best to enjoy every little thing that goes right as well as wrong. That’s something they don’t really teach you in the classroom.
3. Could you tell us your most memorable UBC experience?
I was sitting in Art History 100 in first year and this girl from my tutorial made a classroom announcement asking us to vote for her for VP Student life of the AUS. I approached her after class to see if they needed any volunteers and I ended up being hired as her assistant, and eventually became FrAUSh coordinator that summer. Zilna and I are now like sisters, and she is the reason I became as involved as I am with not only the AUS, but also Jumpstart. If it hadn’t been for that classroom announcement, I’m not sure what my time at UBC would look like today.
4. What song best describes your work ethic?
‘All the Way’ by Frank Sinatra. I either do something to the best of my ability or don’t bother at all.
5. What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of school?
Playing and teaching piano, fiddling with the ukulele (not super well), painting, reading and afternoon tea most of all. Afternoon tea and cookies make my day. I’m also very interested in antique cars!