Executive Committee Blogpost: Semester One
Executive Committee Blogpost: Semester One
Charlotte Baker, she/her, President of Winchester Student Union
What have you most enjoyed about being an officer so far in Semester 1?
As I am in my second year of office it’s been amazing to really get into campaigns and work with the new officers. We had an amazing Freshers week and its been great to be able to grow our Cost of Living work.
Why did you decide to run for officer?
I decided to run again for President because I felt that I still had a lot more to give and I loved working in the Union so much, so I wanted to continue our work. I love representing our students and getting to continue to work in the University community after finishing my degree.
What are you most looking forward to in Semester Two?
I am really looking forward to the elections as well as Winton, Varsity and all the award ceremonies (which is my favourite time of year).
What do you like about being an officer, how does it compare to expectations you had before coming into office?
I like how much freedom you have and how you are able to do work on campaigns and initiatives that will benefit the student community. It’s also an amazing job out of University as well.
Any challenges you’ve faced – how have you dealt with them?
There is a lot of responsibility and pressure for when you first come into it but overtime you take it in your stride, and you are able to use that to your advantage. Its an amazing experience and truly the best job ever.
How has working within the SU as a whole been?
Overall, its been an amazing experience, I don’t want it to end in June but I feel its truly been a privilege to be President the last 2 years and I am looking forward to the next 6 months.
Sal Fox, she/her, 1st Year Sabb, studied Musical Theatre (2020-2023)
What have you most enjoyed about being an officer so far in Semester 1?
Freshers Week, Recharge Day and StARs training would probably be my favourite moments from semester 1.
Why did you decide to run for officer?
I decided to run for Vice President, Education and Welfare off the back of a fantastic year spent as a student officer last year. I wanted to step up and expand my passion for all things SU, and to become and positive and influential leader for students.
What are you most looking forward to in Semester Two?
I am most looking forward to welcoming our January Intakes for semester 2 with our Refreshers activities, as well as developing more campaigns!
What do you like about being an officer, how does it compare to expectations you had before coming into office?
I love the pride that the job gives you, sounds cheesy, but knowing the positive change that I am able to make to students day to day experiences can be extremely rewarding. Having worked alongside sabs previously, I knew that it would be an extremely busy and challenging year ahead. However, I have really enjoyed the fast-pace and ever changing day-to-day work.
Any challenges you’ve faced – how have you dealt with them?
My biggest challenge has been having to adapt from being a student to this being my full-time job – especially getting used to an office environment and managing my time effectively!
How has working within the SU as a whole been?
Team SU are a fantastic group of individuals who have really supported me in growing to my full potential as a Sabb.
Emily Aldridge-Snell, she/her, Vice President Activities and Services
What have you most enjoyed about being an officer so far in Semester 1?
My favourite part of working within the SU is how many students we get to interact with. We are here for the student body and getting to work so closely with students in my role makes it that much better! We are able to see firsthand how the work we do helps our students and to also have open lines of communication.
Why did you decide to run for officer?
I decided to re-run as I felt that I still had so much more to give, and I wanted another year to be able to make the positive changes I want to!
What are you most looking forward to in Semester Two?
I am so excited for semester two, we have so many exciting things planned! We will go head-to-head with Chichester at Varsity again; I am excited to gain that hattrick of wins! I am also really looking forward to our award ceremonies, it was a huge highlight for me last year and I am really looking forward to celebrating our incredible students. We have a super busy semester two, but I am so excited for everything it entails!
What do you like about being an officer, how does it compare to expectations you had before coming into office?
Seeing the positive change we can have on the student experience is such an amazing feeling and is definitely a perk of the job, it makes the bad bits worth it! Being in my second year in office, I was prepared what came with the job, but I learn something new everyday and am faced with various different challenges that I couldn’t have excepted but it keeps me on my toes and keeps the job interested!
Any challenges you’ve faced – how have you dealt with them?
The biggest challenge I have faced is my workload, sometimes it feels like I am being pulled in all directions but focusing on the positives and getting out of the office has helped me stay positive, there’s nothing that a trip to the SU shop can’t fix.
How has working within the SU as a whole been?
Working with team SU has been great, we have had our challenges, but we all come together to support one another, and it has shown that we are a family, not just a workplace. The team help keep spirits high even when things are manic and are always up for a good laugh!
Student Officers
Alex Wilson, She/Her, 3rd Year Psychology and Child Development student
What have you most enjoyed about being an officer so far in Semester 1?
I can’t believe how quickly Semester 1 has flown by, and the amount of opportunities I’ve experienced through being Student Officer - Freshers feels like yesterday.
What have you most enjoyed about being an officer so far in Semester 1?
I have most enjoyed being able to run my first campaign “Bring a Bag”, which was an way in encouraging Activity Groups to contribute back to the Student Community. It was a huge accomplishment, with over 104 items donated to either the Bookcase or Clothes Drive. I’m so glad that a campaign I introduced will benefit so many students with the Cost of Living and incredibly thankful for Activity Groups getting involved!
Why did you decide to run for officer?
I ran for Student Officer following being anonymously recommended during the election period. I didn’t know too much about the roles beforehand but I’d delved into a bit more understanding of the Union following my previous role as Student Senate for Education and Chairing my society and thoroughly enjoyed both. After finding more about the role and what it involved I just knew I wanted to be able to be a positive voice for students and ensure that people had a familiar face to turn to.
What are you most looking forward to in Semester Two?
In Semester 2, I’m most looking forward to getting more involved with some Campaign work around supporting Students using their voices and being heard. I’m also really keen on getting myself out there and engaging with Students more.
What do you like about being an officer, how does it compare to expectations you had before coming into office?
You find as being a part of Executive Committee the first few months are about getting used to the role and dynamic of everything, so following Christmas Im really eager to get some more of Manifesto points put into action. (I also have to sneak in that Im really looking forward to Awards season and celebrating everyone’s achievements).
Any challenges you’ve faced – how have you dealt with them?
I think the main challenge of being Student Officer has mainly been trying to balance alongside my other commitments (not to complain though I love absolutely everything I do). I think the importance of wanting to keep busy is ensuring to keep organised - my outlook calendar is booked and busy!! However what’s most important scheduling time in for yourself outside of everything, I’ve now taken up a few little hobbies over this year such as reading more and keeping my trusty Duolingo streak (175 days currently if you were wondering). Alongside this also having a wonderful support system. Balance everything is something I’m still working on - definitely easier said than done - but it’s all about making your wellbeing the top priority.
How has working within the SU as a whole been?
I’ve been incredibly lucky to work within the Union as Student Officer and as a Part-time staff member this Semester and it’s been wonderful! Everyone within the Executive Committee and wider staff team have been incredibly welcoming and supportive. It’s also been really insightful to learn about the Union in a wider context and be able to have a hands-on approach and the responsibility of leading things.
Glenn Craker, he/him, 3rd Year, Film Production
What have you most enjoyed about being an officer so far in Semester 1?
Working events like Fresher's Fayre and Recharge Day, it was so much fun meeting new people and helping them however I could!
What have you most enjoyed about being an officer so far in Semester 1?
The student experience has always been the best part of university life for me, and the SU has played a big part in that through running events and holding a space for activity groups; I felt like I had to give back to it in some way, and help shape the student experience for the year to come
What are you most looking forward to in Semester Two?
I'm most excited to help out with more events and activities run by the SU, such as the Refreshers Fayre and Recharge Festival
What do you like about being an officer, how does it compare to expectations you had before coming into office?
I've loved getting to know the exec team and being able to work with my fellow student officers. My biggest worry before going into the role was that I wouldn't get along with everyone, though I'm happy to say that I was wrong and I love being a part of the team!
Any challenges you’ve faced – how have you dealt with them?
The hardest part so far has mostly been finding a balance between my coursework, my role as a Student Officer, and my responsibilities on various committees. Having to juggle so many things can be quite stressful, so I always try to find some kind of time to myself to de-stress
How has working within the SU as a whole been?
Helping out with SU activities and getting to know my fellow Student Officers has been so rewarding: I feel that I have grown so much from the experience, and I can't wait to see what semester 2 has in store!
Jennifer Crowdy, She/Her, 2nd year, MPhil/PhD
What have you most enjoyed about being an officer so far in Semester 1?
Raising awareness of Student Union events to mature and postgraduate students, and being an individual that students can turn to for advice and support within the community. A highlight of being Student Officer was leading an Afternoon Tea session at the Terrace Bar during Fresher's Week and it was a very busy but vibrant social event!
Why did you decide to run for officer?
I wanted to be a positive role model for fellow postgraduate students and to break some myths about running for officer - such as showing that you do not have to be an undergraduate. There were also several areas the SU were focusing on that resonated with me and made me want to run for officer such as better support for postgraduates, better digital accessibility, and dealing with the cost of living.
What are you most looking forward to in Semester Two?
Getting more actively involved with key events where possible, and seeing what I can do to maximise student engagement within the community.
What do you like about being an officer, how does it compare to expectations you had before coming into office?
I like the fact that despite being on the spectrum and being an older student, that I was still made to feel welcome and valued. The level of active communication was also much better than I was expecting, especially regularly checking in on how I am. There are a lot more ways to get involved than I previously realised as well with events, campaigns, and more.
Any challenges you’ve faced – how have you dealt with them?
As I am a full-time postgraduate student, I am sometimes extremely busy to the point I wish I could contribute more towards what the SU does. However, I am proud of that times I have been able to get involved and have still made a difference through promoting events and ways the SU can support students on a regular basis. I also am diabetic and sometimes get very ill, but by communicating with the SU they are there to support you.
How has working within the SU as a whole been?
At times intense and serious, sometimes you feel very busy and rushed off your feet during key events they're running, but it's always worth it and it's often very fun. I have really enjoyed working with the SU and do not regret it. I recommend running for Officer or being involved with the SU in some way, they do their very best to make a positive difference to our lives!
Kayla Ellington, she/her, 2nd Year & Primary Education with QTS
What have you most enjoyed about being an officer so far in Semester 1?
There have been so many great events to get stuck in with – Freshers week being a true highlight as it was the main time I got to be ‘on the ground’ and meet such a variety of new faces, but also being able to be on committees and sit in on meetings and gain better insight as to how the behind the scenes run!
Why did you decide to run for officer?
Originally, I was nominated, and I decided that I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and try my hand at new skills. I’m really pleased I did, as I feel its improved my confidence and given me great encouragement in my public speaking skills.
What are you most looking forward to in Semester Two?
I’m very excited for the Recharge Festival and all the award events that happen later in the term!
What do you like about being an officer, how does it compare to expectations you had before coming into office?
I like the fact that I can/and have made the role my own. As a Primary Education student and also an excellence awardee for the Music Centre, I like that it is a part time role I can fit around my studies.
Any challenges you’ve faced – how have you dealt with them?
The biggest challenge has been keeping an eye on my schedule! There have been so many amazing events this semester that I’ve loved being part of (Clothes Drive, the open forums…), and others I’ve sadly missed due to cross-scheduling, but the main way I’ve dealt with that is by making sure all important dates are fixed in my calendar as soon as possible.
How has working within the SU as a whole been?
It’s been such a joy! The Student Union team are so wonderfully friendly, and it’s been great to experience being around such a variety of people I wouldn’t otherwise come across on a day-to-day basis. Although I’m currently the youngest in office, it’s been great as I have gained a lot of wisdom and useful knowledge from the team.
