Why did you choose to contest Education Commissioner?
I must confess that this was not an easy decision, as the Education Commissioner has the responsibility, together with the Student Representatives, of representing the whole student body and giving the Student Representatives the strength to make the students’ voice heard. This role has to be taken up by an individual who is ready to fight for what is right. After 3 years of being active both on and off campus, I learnt the importance of voicing one’s opinion and most importantly of listening to others and learning from their experiences. Even though this role proves to be challenging, I am not one to be disheartened. Educational rights are the roots of student activism and with the experience I gathered in the past years I feel that this is an opportunity I cannot refuse, so as to ultimately strive for what I believe in.
What is your background in organisations?
During my first year of studies I was elected as Secretary General in the Association for Students of Commerce Studies (ASCS) and I currently have the pleasure of being the President of this organisation. I was elected as Student Representative in 2014, attending the majority of both faculty board and KE meetings. Throughout my years at University, I was also a member of various KSU subcommittees such as the KPS Health and Wellbeing subcommittee, the Culture and Entertainment Subcommittee and the KE Research Subcommittee. Being involved in so many projects helped me understand the importance of working in a team, listening to what others have to say and bridging ideas to ultimately achieve the goal we were all aiming for.
Why should student representatives trust you with their vote?
Being a Student Representative for almost 2 years helped me realise the main values needed to fulfil this role. It is of utmost importance to have a set of goals and to know how to lobby to proceed with one’s agenda. Being President and representing the biggest faculty on campus taught me how to tackle different departments in distinct ways depending on their different structures and processes. One has to be able to adapt to situations thrown at oneself and know the right way to handle delicate issues. This can be only obtained with experience and by keeping up to date with current affairs. I will not promise the unattainable but only my dedication and hard work, coupled with the knowledge and experience of my fellow Student Representatives within the Education Commission, so as to strive for the best results possible for the benefit the students.
How do you plan to tackle apathy at University?
I strongly believe that when students are handed responsibilities they respond in a better manner. The first thing on my agenda is to remove the alienation surrounding the role of the Student Representatives and compliment their efforts by pushing for recognition on their graduation transcript. Student Representatives should know their roles better so as to represent the student fully, thus I am proposing a set of training sessions which are to focus on both technical and soft skills. I would also like to ensure a smooth handover from one Student Rep to the other once a term is over, so as to ensure that the student is not affected negatively and thus catalyse the learning process of how to deal with and tackle queries and arising problems. Subcommittees are also very useful and important. The would give Student Representatives a specific task and thus encourage contribution and belonging. I believe that these should be the basic steps to fight student apathy at University and move forward to be a stronger, united front.
Why are you better for the role than other contesting candidates?
We are all contesting because we believe that we fit the role, and being all Presidents of an organisation shows that the role entails both experience and hard work. The factors that distinguish us from each other are our characters, our perspectives and our approach towards the issues that may arise. My determination is the one thing that led me to where I stand today, and I feel that I still have a lot to offer to the student body. I have worked closely with all the candidates and we all have the betterment of the student’s academic life at heart.
On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate the management of last year’s KE office overall, and give a reason for your rating.
I would rate the last KE Office 7/10. Both Matthew and Ryan managed to obtain a lot throughout this year but I truly believe that Student representatives deserve a stronger voice. I feel that Student Representatives are not given enough credit and exposure. They have a very important job of bridging the gap between students and faculties and also to work hand in hand with the faculty based organisations. This is not an easy role to fill and apathy strikes when representatives do not feel part of the organs of this commission.
What would you have done better or changed if you could?
Personally my priority, as stated in my manifest, is to increase the responsibilities of the student representatives through subcommittees and the writing of more policies. I would like to boost the exposure given to the Student Representatives through better campaigning, an updated Student Representatives list on the KSU website including contact details., improving the complaint system and including the Representatives more in the decision taking process.