Interviews
Name: Shannon Buckley Barnes
Trinity Qualification: LL.B (2017)
About: A scintillating individual involved in several societies. Festival Director for the Trinity Arts Festival (TAF), Writer for The Piranha, Trinity’s satirical newspaper, Central Societies Committee Executive, member of the Phil.
How did you initially get involved with TAF and the CSC?
I volunteered for TAF when I was a first year and was the classic eager Fresher that was delighted to be given any job no matter what it was. I remember carrying a huge bundle of umbrellas and a box of props from a venue back to campus in the lashing rain and not caring at all because I was having so much fun being a part of it all. I went on to be Secretary the year after and then was Festival Director this year. As for the CSC I had interacted with them through being involved in TAF and decided to run for Exec this year because I really appreciate the work that the CSC does for all the societies on campus.
How have you benefited from your involvement in these various societies?
Obviously being involved in societies allows you to develop a wide range of skills that you would never have had before. I am now comfortable running events, negotiating discounts and managing a budget. However, I do not think of societies as something for the CV. The main benefit from being involved in societies is the friends you make and the brilliant times you all have together as you put on these events that you are all passionate and excited about.
What has been your proudest moment in your term so far?
TAF won two awards this year. We won Best Multi-Day Event at the Society of the Year Awards and we also came second in the Equality Champions Awards run by the Equality Office for a comedy gig that consisted of all female-identifying performers. Regardless of awards I was so proud of the committee and everyone who contributed to the festival. That said, having our hard work recognised is a nice way of knowing that we definitely did do something extraordinary.
Tell us something we didn’t know about TAF and the CSC?
TAF takes submissions from students who want to put on events during the festival or who want to submit their art to be displayed during the festival.
The CSC is the most fun group of people on campus! People are sometimes intimidated by us because we make important decisions and discuss grant applications but that's ignoring the fact that our aim is making sure that societies get to do all of the amazing things they do.
What ways can alumni get involved with TAF and the CSC?
TAF runs five night events that generally take place off campus and would be open to alumni. Especially the closing night which has traditionally been a showcase of all of the brilliant things that took place during the week followed by a big party. Alumni who are involved in the arts are also encouraged to contact us if they would like to instruct a class, give a talk or display some of their art.
From your perspective, why are student-led activities so important here at Trinity?
Societies are one of the highlights of Trinity life. You can't walk from one end of campus to another during without spotting some sort of activity whether it is falconry on the cricket pitch, a get-in happening at Player's Theatre or a huge queue outside the GMB to see the newest Honorary Patron of the Phil. Student-led activity provides an amazing outlet for students to showcase their talents and pursue their passions while breathing life into the campus.
What has been your greatest challenge during your involvement with these societies?
Not having enough places to put on events in campus is a problem that all societies face. We have so many brilliant societies who all want to put on fantastic events that would attract huge numbers of people but often due to there not being enough rooms or suitable rooms available the event will have to be put on at an awkward time or put on in a place that is hard to find or not accessible for some students.
What do you enjoy the most about being involved with these societies?
Both TAF and CSC allowed me to collaborate with a huge variety of students who are interested in and talented at things that I have no idea about. I love learning about something from someone who is genuinely passionate about it and seeing how much they love talking about it. The thrilling buzz of being able to do what you love with equally enthusiastic people is what makes being involved with societies so fantastic.