“I don't know where I'm going from here, but I promise it won't be boring.”
That perhaps isn’t the most inspiring of quotes to convince you to vote for me, but it is certainly truthful and that’s a pretty good start.
For those of you who don’t remember me or didn’t see my manifesto for this position last semester, hello and welcome! Thank you for taking the time to read this. And of course, hello to all of you that recognise my blonde hair, chubby cheeks and trade mark 90s glasses…
Last semester I ran for this position for two main reasons. Firstly, I am a mature student in my first year of University, and quite frankly, that is pretty scary and at times lonely. Secondly, I am on an integrated degree course with Forth Valley College. This means that the first two years of my course are delivered at the college whilst being a Stirling University student too. Confusing, right?
These two factors left me feeling slightly out of place and prompted me to run for the position. I wanted to be able to connect with more mature students and find out if they had similar concerns to me and work together to come up with solutions. I also wanted to be part of strengthening the relationship between the University and the college, making it easier for students to transition between the two and feel fully integrated into university life and culture.
So, a few months down the line and here I am again putting myself forward for this position, because I am not finished. Over these past few months I have been involved in the planning and development of the mature student society, working with Forth Valley Student Association to gather information and feedback on the student experience and produce ideas and plans for improvement and I am working alongside Student Support Services to provide additional support to care experienced students. Currently, I am the main student voice for these students.
These activities have taken more time and energy than I had anticipated, and they have been worth every minute because I truly care and I believe that everyone needs a voice, a place and the knowledge that they are not alone.
If elected, I plan to:
- Continue to support the mature student society development
- Build on existing relationships with the Forth Valley student association to ensure students feel fully integrated and are aware of support services and access
- Continue in my position as primary student contact for care experienced students and develop a greater understanding of needs to implement changes
- Continue working with the VP of Education to support mature students who require flexible learning, additional support services and specific study spaces.
Additionally, I plan to be in the atrium for a few days each month so you know where to find me.