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► Aleshia Sampson


Aleshia Sampson 
Deputy President
2008/09
President
2009/10 


 

Did you enjoy being a Sabbatical officer?

Yes it was a once in a lifetime experience. 

What experience can you take from being in office?

It's a huge responsibility which you would never get in any other job straight out of uni, from financial responsibility as a trustee to hiring new staff and ensuring the organisation is the best it can be. Being a sabb really does enhance your CV and broaden your experience and interests. 

What would you do differently as a Sabb if you could go back and change anything?
I would speak to more students. It's very easy to get wrapped up in the management of the place, when really you are there to make the student experience better, and to do that you need to really know what students want. You are still a student as a sabbtical officer, but it's too easy to become detached from the real student issues when you have such a diverse job role. 
  		 What was your most memorable moment being a Sabb?

I have so many memorable moments it's hard to choose the best one, but as president, speaking at graduations is a real honour as it's probably everyone's most memorable day of their degree! 

Do you think you need to know a lot about the UPSU before being Sabbatical Officer?

I was a sabb for two years and ran for deputy president the first time. I didn't know much about the union at that point. I was an average student, I knew the union ran sports, societies and volunteering, and had a bar, but i never understood the in depth workings and politics behind it. i just wanted to make a difference. Even the most involved student will still learn loads about how UPSU really works in the first month of being an officer. If you're thinking of running in the elections and feel you don't know enough, speak to the staff at UPSU, student reps and those on the committees of clubs and societies, you can never know how it all really works until you're a trustee! 

What qualities would be good for someone looking to do your role?
There are many qualities you need to be a good officer but professionalism is key.  

What do you miss about being a sabbatical officer?
I miss the fun of the job! it's hard work, but it's an incredible year full of opportunities. There's no other job like it. 

Do you think being a sabbatical officer has benefited you to further your career?
Being an officer opens your eyes to how the world really works and how organisations are run. it's brought me opportunities and skills i could never have got elsewhere. 

What do you hope you have been remembered for as your time as a Sabb?
There was a lot of change a UPSU in my year which was particularly challenging, but i hope I'm remembered for trying my best to help UPSU become a better union. 

Would you recommend being a sabbatical officer to a friend?
Hell yeah!  

 

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