CONFIDENT in their bookkeeping skills, Niña Estrella of Grand Alliance for Progress and Elan Karsten Castañares of DEKADA are both hoping to secure the position of treasurer in the Artlets Student Council (ABSC) for next academic year. Aside from excelling academically, the two hopefuls also want to walk their talk and use their abilities to better the Artlet community.
A born leader
Being an economics major, Niña knows the ins and outs of bookkeeping, which is part of the reason why she wanted to run. However, she says leadership does not end in the four corners of the classroom; this led to her becoming the executive associate to the auditor of the Artlets Economics Society.
“Actually, I’m enjoying it kasi. Feel ko parang part na siya ng pagkatao ko, and as the eldest child, feeling ko may authority talaga ako. Feeling ko kahit saan ate ako,” she states confidently.
Despite the huge tasks that her proposed projects entail, she does not have questions in mind about pursuing these platforms because she believes that through them, she will be able to start her real battle outside school by serving the people.
“‘Yung naka-inspire sa’kin is all of us. ‘Yung current status ng economy natin, maraming taong nangangailangan ng tulong, lalo na ‘yung mga bata,” she explains.
Drifting away from the ordinary
As a typical journalism freshman, Karsten never imagined himself to be in the situation he is now.
Karsten used to be content in simply doing requirements after school and poring over tons of readings at home. However, the call to serve did not allow him to do merely that.
Karsten shares that he decided to run for treasurer because he wants to bring change and order to the ABSC.
“Noong tinanong ako kung ano ba gusto ko, sabi ko treasurer kasi confident ako sa paghawak ng pera. Maingat ako yet confident at the same time. When it comes to money kasi, I believe na confident ka [dapat], hindi ‘yung hawak ka lang nang hawak pero takot ka rin pala at the same time,” he says. F MARY NICOLE P. MIRANDA
WATCH: Get to know candidates for treasurer Nina Estrella (GAP) and Elan Castañares (DEKADA) through the Flame’s video series for AB Halalan 2019.
