The new year has started and the new SUB board for 2020 has been chosen. BTSB had the chance to talk to Sofia Aalto so, let’s get to know this year’s president!

First of all, congratulations on the presidency! Would you like to start by telling our readers a little bit about yourself?

Thanks! So hello everyone. I’m Sofia, the president of SUB. I’m studying English philology for the fifth year. I moved to Helsinki almost 6 years ago from a small town called Loviisa. On my free time I read books, knit woolen socks and watch Netflix. I love travelling but as a student I can’t do that as much as I’d like to.

We’ve heard this isn’t your first time as the president of SUB so, would you tell a little bit more about that and your history with SUB and other student organizations?

That’s right. I started in SUB on my fresher year as a working life coordinator. I did that for two years, then was elected for president for the first time. Last year I was the webmaster and responsible for freshers and tutors. This year I get to be the president again and I have to say it feels pretty damn amazing! It’s the position I’ve enjoyed the most in the board. For two years I have also been part of our faculty organization Humanisticum (or HC in short), this year as the vice president and head of Tilakonklaavi, which overlooks the premises in Humanistiklusteri.

Wow, that’s quite impressive career in student organizations! What are your expectations for this time around for your term as president?

Hmm, that’s a tricky question. I don’t really know if I have any expectations, more like goals.

Would you like to tell us about those goals?

When my last term started, I was afraid I won’t be able to achieve anything significant or worth remembering. Then the term came to an end and I realised that we had changed so much for the better over the year. So one of my goals is to keep up the same energy and enthusiam we had on my last term. This time we have many freshers in the board and as officials, so I want to show them that student organization activities can indeed be the best thing you take part in on your time at the university. SUB is turning 50 in two years, so another goal is to start raising funds already for the anniversary dinner, because it’s gonna be epic!

Sound very exciting! Do you think there are any areas that need developing in SUB or within the university currently?

Of course there are, in both. Even thought every year we get excellent feedback from HYY for our activities, I think we can always improve and aim for better. For couple of years we have made a feedback inquiry for our members, to know what went well, what we could do differently and what the members want from us. And the opinion of our members is what matters the most, everything we do is for them.

That’s nice to hear! Is there something you expect from us, here at BTSB this upcoming year?

I’m just hoping we could keep up the good collaboration we’ve had so far. I think you have very talented and versatile group of excellent writers, I can’t wait to see what you come up with this upcoming year.

Thank you, we will do our best! We’re not a tabloid, but everyone loves secrets so tell us, what are the highlights of the spring term everyone should keep their eyes on?

I can’t speak for everyone but SUB’s 48th anniversary dinner and NMES in Tampere in April are my absolute favorites of this spring! I highly recommend everyone to participate. I also know that our culture and sports sectors have some amazing excursions planned.

Sound pretty amazing, I’m sure our readers are waiting those as well! Last but not least, leave us with an immortal quote that you’ll be remembered by!

The most important things you’ll ever learn at the university do not come from the lectures.

Thank you so much for this wisdom and the interview. Once again congratulations, and may the Force be with you this year and in the future!