Hello everyone,

My name is Rupika Gopalakrishnan and I am currently the Course Rep for BSc (Hons) Medical Science year 2, and I would like to be your next faculty rep! 

I believe that a good faculty rep will work on issues that are important for students and advocate their interests and views to the staff; this could vary from communicating to lecturers about the curriculum to seeking relevant opportunities specific to the course which could help with one's career in the future. I have been able to do this as a course rep and I hope that I am able to continue this when I am faculty rep. I also think that a faculty rep should be confident and stand for what they believe in. When I became a course rep, my confidence grew from nowhere and now others know more about me as a person and the ideas that I have. Becoming a faculty rep will only increase this behaviour and I hope I will be able to help others who are in a position that I once used to be in.

I will listen to students about their concerns and help them along the way academically if required, but my sole focus will not be based on education, in fact, I want to focus more on bringing a sense of community to the HEMS department. Many of us only have friends from our courses (specifically the same year) and do not expand into other circles. When I am faculty rep, I want this to change. University is an opportunity to expand your horizons and meet diverse people, which does not only include race, religion, etc. but also people from different courses. Helping one another can bring a sense of belonging and allows everyone to feel welcome. Also, in technical terms, it improves our language and social skills!

In short, I want to be your next faculty rep! I am an approachable person and I can help anyone with their concerns. I want the ARU HEMS department to feel more diverse and I want everyone to connect with one another. If you are reading this and not a HEMS student, but you like my suggestions, please talk to me as well :). The more the merrier! Please go out and vote for your favourite candidate (hopefully that will be me)!

Thank you and have a good day!