2020 has finally ended, the new year has started and that means that there’s a new president on the board of SUB! BTSB had the chance to catch a word with our new president, Sara Hietala!

First things first, congratulations on your nomination! Tell our readers a bit about yourself.

Thank you! Hey everyone, I'm Sara and it's my second year studying English. A bit about myself. Hmm. Well, I love dogs (and animals generally, but I hate snakes....), I have a Boston Terrier myself. I also love good music and I miss live gigs so much :( but I am excited about this upcoming year and I hope SUB has the chance to arrange something fun for all SUBbers!

We are also excited! How would you summarize the first weeks of your term as president?

Well, almost everything I'd like to do is forbidden at the moment, so kind of frustrating - but also a lot of fun with the other board members!

Good to hear that there’s some light in midst of all the darkness! What is your history with SUB or other organizations and positions within the University of Helsinki?

My history with organizations is actually quite short, since as said, it's only the second year in Uni for me. In 2020 I was the secretary and freshers & tutors coordinator in SUB, but that is pretty much it so far! This year I am the president of SUB, and also the webmaster. In addition, this year I am an official in Orbis, which is the organization for international students in the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Theology. I believe my future in organizations will be a little longer than my history at the moment. :D

Well, that sounds pretty impressive already! What expectations you have for this year as SUB’s president? And are there things you want to improve while you are the president?

The main hope I have is that we could all see each other IRL this year! If not, I hope we can arrange something online that many SUBbers will want to participate in. I think, for me, the main improvement area is to include everyone in SUB's activities so that every single person would feel welcome in everything we do (e.g. if you attend an event alone, we want to make sure you do not feel alone) 🥰

 That sounds really great! What do you think are the challenges SUB is facing this year? And what goals and opportunities there are this year?

The biggest challenge is obviously The Pandemic. On the other hand, it also gives us new ways of thinking about our activities: even after the worst part is over, I believe it could be useful to have an opportunity to participate over the internet. The main goal of SUB is to protect the interests of English students, so I hope we continue to do that well :)

You certainly have been nominated well prepared and you certainly have our full support! Any special requests for us here at BTSB this upcoming year?

Haha, thank you! :D For BTSB I hope you have fun, don't stress too much and keep up the good work!

Last but not least, is there an immortal quote you want to share and be remembered by? Keep it in 280 characters so we will be able to quote you on Twitter!

"What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say."

Thank you for this, and congrats once again!