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What course are you studying?
BSc (Hons) Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology
What stage of your course are you currently studying?
Final Year
What motivated you to run for a Sabbatical Officer role and why do you think you would be a good Sabbatical Officer?
I have been involved with sports and societies throughout university, joining the Marine Biology Society (MBS) and Tennis from the start, and now acting as chair for the MBS. This motivated me to run for VP Activities due to my own enjoyable experiences and how I want for others to have this too. I listen, care and do not hesitate to act where needed, which is crucial to building student engagement and ensuring as many people as possible are able to enjoy and have fun during these times.
Why is the Sabbatical Officer role important?
The Sabbatical Officer role is vital within the University and acts as a liaison between students and the Student Union. Officers convey needs of UoP students to both the UPSU and University while also representing the student body on a local and national scale. The VP Activities exists to directly support creation of community collaborations, while inspiring students to become involved with activities and student organisations through promotion and support from within the University and SU.
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Motivated, Out-going and Organised
If you could change one thing about the University, what would that be?
Plymouth has a very community-centric ethos between students, and I believe issues need to be tackled by the students, for the students in a more engaged manner by presenting issues to those who are involved within the university community, especially through societies and sports. Through open discussions, a better consensus can be achieved to resolve growing issues, such as the rise of living costs and student safety with greater acknowledgement to the social side of University.
If you could change one thing about the Students' Union, what would it be?
I believe change at the communication level of the SU, particularly the divide between societies and sports which are two separate entities, but both have common interests of ensuring members have the best experience within a safe and fun environment. I would treat these two very significant aspects of the SU with the same weighting of importance while highly encouraging greater interactions between them, facilitating a greater collaboration between all societies and sports reducing a divide.
Who do you draw most inspiration from and why?
My friends who I surround myself with on a daily basis. Arguably, the weirdest and most wonderful; all brilliant, creative and kind in their own individual ways. They’ve inspired me to strive for that next step while supporting and reminding me about the importance of having fun along the way. It is so exciting to see how the smallest of interests have sparked different interests within each and every one of them, igniting new passions in myself and inspiring me to create my own path and goals.
What is your proudest moment so far and why?
The leap of faith I took with embracing University in all its aspects, and I would not change a second if it led me to now. Each year brought new adventures and challenges that I have overcome, while also managing committee roles, work and maintaining a social life. This past year has shown me the importance societies have as part of a university experience, where personally, I have been able to contribute towards the enjoyment of others by focusing on growing and improving these societies.