Sport's President Blog #2
Name: Sam Corsan
Year of study: 3rd
Course: English Literature and Philosophy
Club: Athletics
How long have you been involved in your sport and what inspired you to become Club President?
I've been involved in Athletics since the age of eight, but I really fell in love with the sport when I was sixteen, and have been involved throughout my time at Trent. I decided becoming President was something that I wanted to do back in first year, however I thought the experience of a committee role without so much responsibility was necessary to ease into it. so naturally I went for Social Sec...
However, the main reason I decided for becoming president was due to my love for the club, and how much I owe to the people within it. I've made amazing friendships, been introduced to some fascinating people, both within the club, and other clubs and NTU Sport, and none of that would have been possible had I not decided to really get involved and jump in with both feet. I've learned more during my time at uni and in the club than I thought possible when I rocked up as a fresher in first year.
Give us a quick overview of what a day in the life of being president is like.
Apart from the Summer, where I'd say most of my hard work has been done so far, the daily routine of a President isn't too dissimilar from that of any other committee member. Apart from annoying my club members with daily posts, I try to let my committee have as much creative freedom in running the club as possible. I consider myself just another regular club member, getting involved in the sport I love and going out with my friends on Wednesdays. The only difference is I've now been afforded the luxury of being able to make real change where I believe it's required. In summary: it's a lot of admin, but it's admin I enjoy/put up with.
What's been your proudest achievement so far?
Seeing the growth from last year to this year, and how smoothly we've transitioned has been a real high point, especially with new additions such as a club website that'll hopefully become stronger throughout the years. However, my personal proudest achievement has been giving the committee the belief to try and get as involved as possible, as by monitoring each of them carefully, I've noticed they've each taken to their roles with eagerness to improve on last year in any way they can, which fortunately makes my life easier. Also I managed to respond to someone hoping to join the club on an Ocean Wednesday bar crawl in suitable English... that warrants a mention I think.
What's been your toughest challenge?
Definitely the first couple of weeks. Fresher's week was a rare instance where I had no idea how much it could drain you, by being involved at both Fresher’s fairs in city and Clifton all day both days, and taking taster sessions, as well as trying to keep a positive attitude throughout. I found it quite funny for the first couple of weeks seeing how eager some people were to join the club that I would be getting 8-10 messages a day all asking the same thing. It's something that drained me at the start, but I can look back on now and be proud I made it through with the composure required to keep them coming back.
What aims do you have for the rest of the academic year?
- To maintain the improvement we've shown so far
- Earn more points at BUCS and our Cross Country league fixtures
- Bring in an Athletics Awards night in the SU hopefully in third term
- Aiming to build a network of clubs to get involved with each other for skill swaps, joint socials and events.
- Getting in a few "call on me" themed Circuits sessions throughout the year...
What's the best thing about being a President?
Feeling the accomplishment when things go well. It's a pretty rewarding feeling and just knowing that you can make a difference for people and improve their university experience. Also having a team that are working hard towards the same goals creates a positive atmosphere within the club. It just feels good knowing that it's something you're responsible for, it's a rewarding feeling.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about running for President next year?
Definitely to try and think about what changes you want to bring in, while trying to keep the core sense of what makes the club what it is. I've always operated on a basis of trying to outdo my predecessors, and to help with that, I ask myself three questions: What was good about the last year? What was not so good about the last year? And if so, where it can be improved? In terms of the day to day stuff, I'd say just try and be outgoing, don't be afraid to look like an idiot, if it gets people laughing then more often than not you'll go down in their good books. Finally, knowing the workload going into it is a good start, it is a job that takes up a lot of your time so I've found that mapping out a plan for myself has proved successful (For instance, placing importance on doing most of the admin work in the summer before Fresher's week). Otherwise, just enjoy the role, it is rewarding and it's usually pretty fun work.
Tell us more about your teammates
Funniest: Whoever laughs at my jokes (don't wanna make enemies)
Best Dressed: George Faulkner
Best Taste In Music: We've got a cheesy taste in music so N/A
Hardest Trainer: Jess Cook/Ryan Knight
Social Butterfly: Tom Winterton
Smartest: Wish we had one person with an IQ over 80...
Best Wednesday Fancy Dress: Gareth Walkom/Tom Winterton
