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Ciao a tutti! My name is Sheshaddri and I am a third-year chemistry student who is currently on placement in the beautiful Kent coast. They say that polyglots are unique in the sense that they almost have different sides to their personality for every language they speak. Well, as a proud polyglot and former Social Secretary of the Italian Society, my Italian side has certainly played a key role in shaping my time as a student in Leeds.

Born and raised in Malaysia, my only connection to Italy is the two-month long exchange I did there back in 2017 with AFS Intercultura, during which I lived with a host family in a small village in rural Tuscany and attended a local linguistics school. Apart from learning what can only be described as one of the most beautiful languages on Earth, I developed a profound appreciation for Italia and her amazing culture. This is an appreciation that I carry to this day, especially after moving to the UK for uni (the number of Italian songs I have saved on my Spotify stands testament to that!). There have been moments where I’ve had daily conversations in Italian with people here, and I am honoured to be viewed as a true-blue Italian in the eyes of so many italiani that I’ve met in Leeds and elsewhere. In short, to say that my Italian-ness had an impact on my university life would be an understatement, because it has influenced my time in Leeds in more ways than I could’ve ever imagined.

If elected president, I hope to share what I love about la cultura italiana with the broader university community. I hope to build on what the current committee have done to revamp the society and to let it grow to its full potential. Alongside the usual quizzes and pub socials, I will help plan other events such as a wine and cheese night, an Italian karaoke event, as well as a Tombola night around the time for Natale. Moreover, I am looking forward to collaborating with other societies (related to modern languages or otherwise) to have even bigger events and to allow new members to expand their social circles. And on a more practical note, my tenure as Social Sec back in 2022 has given me ample experience to draw upon when it comes to hosting events. From Italian movie nights, quizzes, and even a massive GIAG in Common Ground where we served Roman-style pizza and handmade cantuccini- I have been directly involved in organizing iconic events that have strengthened the bonds between the Italian community on campus.

But at its core, I hope to create an environment within the society that’s open to everyone. What I love most about Italy is its culture of accoglienza - of welcoming everyone, regardless of who they are and where they’re from, and treating them all like family. I may not be Italian myself, but what I can offer is an outsider’s perspective and genuine appreciation towards Italy and her rich culture. Whether you’re actually Italian, un italiano di cuore (Italian at heart) like myself, or just fascinated by Italy in general- I want to create a space for all Italophiles to connect over our shared love for la bel Paese.

Choose me and together, we can bring the warmth of la cultura italiana to the cold streets of our beloved university! (and to give me an excuse to finally use the tricolore that’s been collecting dust in my room for so long)

For any questions, you can reach out to me on Instagram: shesha_ddri

Looking forward to working with y'all soon! :)

Hello fellow members and enthusiasts of Italian culture,

My name is Adam Cariati, and I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for president of the Italian Society at the University of Leeds. As someone of Italian-Canadian heritage, I have lived in Italy and immersed myself in its rich culture and beautiful language. My journey with the Italian language is ongoing, and my passion for Italy’s heritage is deeply rooted.

I am currently enrolled in the LLB (graduate) program at Leeds, pursuing my second degree after graduating with Honors in Political Science, specializing in Legal Studies, from Wilfrid Laurier University two years ago. My academic experiences have equipped me with strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of how to foster inclusive communities.

As your prospective president, I am committed to celebrating Italian culture and making it accessible and engaging for everyone. I plan to organize a variety of fun and educational events including traditional Italian feasts, an Italian Film Night featuring classics like La Vita è Bella and contemporary films such as Under the Riccione Sun, as well as interactive language workshops.

These activities are designed not only to deepen our appreciation for Italian culture but also to strengthen our community ties at Leeds. Whether you’re a native speaker or newly curious about Italy, I want our society to be a vibrant, inclusive hub for all.

Vote for me, and let's make the Italian Society at the University of Leeds a dynamic and inviting space for everyone!

Grazie e spero di poter lavorare con tutti voi presto!