Although I was only an officer for the Students’ Union for the latter half of 2009/10, it’s still an emotional time looking back on those who I’ve worked with and got to know very well, most of whom became good friends who I'm sad to see moving on to other things; even so, I wish them well!
Most of the 09/10 SU team at the S&S Awards 2010.
I’m proud of my achievements so far; particularly spurring on the Communications Strategy Review, and my work on Accommodation, both of which I will have continued involvement with this coming year.
I feel I’ve upheld my instinctive moral obligation to be overly outspoken and tenacious – however as a student officer, i.e. – still being a student, I know this has resulted in the true, honest and somewhat gritty views of students being presented; I feel there’s no place for niceties and dodging around the point – hopefully that’s something of a quality I’ve passed on to the other officers, in return for the encouragement and support they’ve given me.
It’s something I will continue to do for 2010/2011 – I’ve been accused of being overly ‘radical’ and dismissive of some projects; I just want to make my time here have a lasting impression on students – I’m not an officer to become popular or add to my CV, I’m here because I know I’m more outspoken than most, I accept I’m a little arrogant, and certainly embrace the fact I’m bolshy!
...I’m sure that’s why students’ elected me as campaigns officer this year; I make people listen to what the Students’ Union SHOULD be, and not what we can easily make from what it currently is.
Anyways, this is quickly turning into a bit of an essay!
...if you’re still with me so far, let me just give a big thanks to those I’ll be missing a hell of a lot over the rest of my time here; namely, Steven Greaves – a brilliant welfare office, always up for a laugh and gave me all the support I could ask for in what I wanted to do... Kayleigh Turner – a very intelligent (as proven by our resounding victory against Bishop Grot in University Challanged!) and tactful VP Ed. who again was always there to offer support and advice not only to me in my Officer role, but also when I needed help as a Rep and School Rep. Emma Devine – guaranteed to make me smile whenever I saw her, supportive of my interest in communications and took an active part as Comms Officer in some of the projects I wanted to be involved in. Chris Farrell and Kayleigh Valentine – the perfect pair of S&S officers, knowledgeable, supportive and great to work with – both have also been particularly helpful to me in my role as President of the Parkour Society! Emily Gough and Kat Walker – we’ve had some great times together; really going to miss these two! ...as student officers themselves, they were always encouraging of what I wanted to do, and were always there with a coffee for me when I was feeling a bit de-motivated!
As for those who I’ll be working with next year – Chris and Dan – both have been very encouraging and supportive, sharing similar views on many topics to me; very good at keeping professional and personal relationships separate – we can have a heated disagreement one minute and be sitting having a cuppa the next, something I really admire and appreciate.
I’m also really looking forward to working with the new incoming officers as well, who so far have shown themselves to be determined and enthusiastic; Jonathan and Andreas both have very strong views on what they want to achieve in their role; again something very admirable...
Phil has infectious enthusiasm; with some of my plans for next year potentially concerning the greater community, I can see some big things coming our way.
Namely, my interest in pursuing various aspects of accommodation improvement for students, which I’ll be working on with Kayleigh (now officially ‘Taylor’ – too many Kayleighs in recent history to keep track! :P) – another highly motivated individual with a genuine concern for student welfare; I know her abilities have been tested already when, on her first day in office, my girlfriend actually rang up in a total mess with her accommodation which was quickly resolved.
The 10/11 Officer team - back, left to right; Chris Charnley (President), Dan Derricott (VP Academic Affairs), Jonathan Holmes (Liberation Officer), Andreas Zacharia (VP Activities) - front, left to right; Phil Krstic (RAG Officer), Kayleigh Taylor (VP Welfare) and ME! (Campaigns Officer)
As to what I want to do for next year, you’ll have to wait; my manifesto basically consisted of finding out what students wanted and helping them to try and get it – and indeed I will be even more present on campus than last year, but as I keep saying to the other officers – our title role makes up only 50% of our responsibility at max, the rest is acting as an executive officer, taking on any challenge that comes our way and overcoming it in a manner that ensures the best for students; particularly relevant with the drastic changes in government and unavoidable cuts in funding.
We cannot stop this, but we can minimise the damage...
I don’t know if anyone actually reads these blogs any more, but if you do, let me know!
...and check back in a week or so; I’ll have a proper layout for the year ahead of what I ultimately want to achieve.
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