If you’re here - congrats! You’re probably one of our most engaged members if you are interested enough to read my blog post. I always find writing these sorts of updates really difficult because so much of my work here has been behind the scenes. I really wish I could give you a flashy campaign that I’ve completed, or some shiny statistics about improving student satisfaction, but the truth is I just don’t have that kind of stuff to share with you.
When I ran for President, I wanted to campaign on things that I saw affecting lots of us - like the accessibility of studios and workshops or the lack of spaces for socialising on campus. When I joined the Union, however, it became clear that I arrived during a time of need for massive organisational change and a complete overhaul of the way we do things.
And over the past year and a half, I’ve worked on all sorts of things to try and stabilise the organisation and move us to a point where we can start being student focussed again. From ordering a complete assessment of UCASU’s “organisational health”, to interviewing and hiring a new CEO, to spending tens of thousands of pounds doing research into what you (our members) want from us as an organisation. It has been the most challenging and rewarding experience, and it has truly shaped me as a person in ways I could have never imagined. But I have not had a “typical” experience as a President of a union.
Although there’s a part of me that wishes I had the capacity to put on more events, or open the Canterbury bar again (I know, I know, I’m just as upset as you are), some of the more important or impactful things I’ve done aren’t even exciting. Like fighting for a whole year to have just one microwave installed on each campus so students can heat their own food (ridiculous, right?).
As I approach the end of my time here, I can’t help but think I haven’t done enough to help. But what I’ve learnt is that the work here is never done. It‘s constantly evolving as the world evolves around us, and as the needs of students change year on year. I remember feeling upset when I was first appointed that I could only do two years here, but now I understand that it’s important to move on, to make room for fresh ideas and talent. I’m hoping that there is someone out there - maybe even reading this right now - who is ready to take on the fight!