Being an active member of my Students’ Union is a fantastic experience, and one that I’ve really enjoyed during my time here at Leicester. I currently hold a seat as an Officer without portfolio for the College of Science & Engineering, on our governing body Union Parliament, a group of 100 elected students who represent the student community in the running of the Students’ Union.
http://leicesterunion.com
This has provided me with the opportunity to bring issues that affect my fellow students right where they need to be heard, and make real positive changes to the union, and myself in the process.
I also ran for the position of Student Activities Officer in the 2012 Executive Election. However, after lengthy deliberation, I withdrew during the voting period, as I believed that there was a better candidate for the role at the time, and that the needs of the union outweigh my own. Whilst I didn’t take the campaign to completion, I had gathered considerable momentum, and had a great deal of support. I was also able to talk to so many students, finding out what they would like to change about their union, what they expect out of their activities and what they like right now. I also made a lot of friends in the process, ones I will hold dear for the rest of my life.
The awesome news is that the better candidate won, and I honestly believe she will be one of the best Student Activities Officers the Union has seen. I look forward to working with her in my society executive positions next year to promote the growth and development of the societies, teams, associations and media groups that they deserve.
When asked how I lean politically, I usually describe myself as a Liberal. I believe strongly in the principles of individual and group autonomy, egalitarianism and universal voice. I tend to take a strongly methodical, well-reasoned, logic-based approach to problems, a skill honed in the course of studying for a degree in a physical science. I also believe that you can apply the ideals of a meritocracy in careful balance with any other political ideology and gain positive results.