With the recent changes to the structure of the Student Union, I believe myself to be an excellent candidate to one of the roles of Vice President.
The Student Union is constantly growing and changing; the development of the Student Elect roles and their closer faculty involvement reflects this.
But as they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day!
There will be difficulties! Any change to an organisation always creates new problems, but I know the resolution to these will require great communication skills, multitasking, motivation as well as a greater reliance and increased focus on teamwork than previously required. Skills I know I have.
I want to bring my brand of passion and enthusiasm to the role of Vice President and to this team, to get out into the university and get people aware of the great things the union does and has to offer them as students, as well as the sometimes daunting challenges and issues of University life that can occur for both young adults and mature students like myself.
The thriving Live Action Society of Anglia Ruskin is proof that when a job needs doing I will get it done with a smile, sense of humour, and buckets full of enthusiasm. I go above and beyond to achieve our goals – A habit I will bring with me to the Student Union.
Be it standing in bizarre costumes advertising a society at fresher’s fair, to talking to large rooms of people for periods of time. No situation holds fear for me when I have a task at hand.
As much as being competent at performing such a role is important, it’s also vital that we seek to improve and develop ourselves where and when we can.
I know I am but one person, I cannot be knowledgeable on all things. But the great part of ARU is the wide variety of people involved with the SU, I know there will be people I can seek the advice and assistance of on topics.
I am a firm believer that in life you should be free to do as you wish as long as it brings no harm to others.
If I haven’t covered a factor of Student life important to you, it is because I do not feel confident enough to speak on it. This is a flaw in my knowledge I would love people to speak to me on. LGBT rights and awareness, black representation, disability issues and minority concerns.
I am unknowledgeable but that is why I am at university. To learn.
- Mental Health Awareness
The ARU’s recent push towards mental health awareness is fantastic! I know first-hand of the debilitating and stigmatising effects such “invisible” illnesses can hold over sufferers. Like many things, ease of access to information to those unaware of the issues can make all the difference in social encounters with those suffering, with 1 in 4 students facing some form of mental illness and with on average 75% of them not seeking help they need, there is a clear problem that needs attention.
- ARU Society development and support
My time at Anglia Ruskin has been heavily involved in running the Live Action Society of Anglia Ruskin. Over the past 3 years myself and my committee have changed the society from a small and socially distant group, to a thriving and inclusive band of outgoing and welcoming people.
We’ve developed a society where people can relax and be themselves without fear or judgement.
The great thing is this isn’t just us, there are many societies like this, the Crafting Society, LGBT, T.A.Gs, and the Harry Potter Society to name a few. Yet many struggle with membership numbers, event organisation or reaching their target audiences. Struggles I know all too well.
With the removal of a specific Activities officer, many society members have voiced concern over a lack of representation and a specific person to speak to over issues. I would make myself that person, as a reliable figure fighting your cause can make any problem that much less oppressive.
As said previously, these are just the areas I know confidently I can bring a positive influence to, but these are just a few of the aspects of student life. These areas I my knowledge is weaker in will require the advice and input of others such as the LGBT, female, Disability, trans, Black and minority representatives we have here at the SU.
These will be the people I would rely on and seek the advice of in these situations.
If you are reading this far I thank you for your time and attention! Im know there is a lot of information and many people wanting their chance to prove themselves just like I am.
If you have your concerns or questions, please come along to the questions sessions. I look forward to seeing everyone there!