"Empowering Our Diverse Community for Success"
My name is 'Lara, and I am running for Vice President Community. I am currently pursuing my master's degree in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Drawing from my personal experience as an international student, a course representative, and a professional who has worked in multiple countries, I have witnessed first-hand the impact that a strong community can have on our university experience and society at large.
My aspiration is to create a welcoming and supportive environment that benefits every student. I plan to achieve this by working alongside the student body to develop valuable opportunities for us to connect with one another, exchange experiences, and support one another through our academic journey. My passion lies in building lasting relationships and cultivating a sense of belonging that extends beyond the classroom.
To achieve this goal, I have identified a few key initiatives that I believe will aid us in creating a more united, supportive, and inclusive community:
Community building and events: I believe that community building is the foundation for creating a welcoming and supportive environment. The aim is to work to create more opportunities for students to connect with one another, share their unique experiences, and forge meaningful relationships. My vision includes organizing diverse community-centric activities such as cultural festivals, immersive travel experiences, and impactful networking events. I plan to collaborate with other student groups and organizations to cultivate cross-cultural exchange and create a space that promotes mutual respect, understanding, and friendship across different communities.
Promote Student Buddy Program: I strongly believe that a student buddy program can make a significant impact in providing essential support to home and international students as they navigate their way through university life. While I acknowledge the existence of the university's "Student’s Union: Befriends" and "Talk to Students" programs, I believe that we can enhance them even further. As VP of Community, I intend to optimize and consolidate these programs into a student buddy program that connects incoming students with experienced peers. The program will offer valuable guidance, advice, and emotional support from students who have already navigated the challenges of university life, thus providing a reliable and accessible resource for new students.
Cultural Awareness: I believe that cultural awareness is essential to building an inclusive community. The goal is to promote inclusivity and acceptance by organizing engaging events and workshops that showcase the rich and varied cultural backgrounds of our student body. These events will provide opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to learn from and appreciate one another's unique experiences, ultimately creating a more cohesive and harmonious community.
Employability schemes and Cost of Living: The goal is to work in collaboration with the university and local organizations to equip students with the necessary skills and resources for obtaining part-time jobs, graduate employment, and affordable housing. To achieve this, there is a plan to team up with the career and enterprise team to organize informative and interactive workshops, seminars, webinars, and fairs that will educate students on networking, exploring job opportunities, and navigating the job market. Additionally, there will be an effort to work with external charities and communities to support students who are struggling due to the high cost of living. The focus will be on ensuring that students have access to essential items that are important for their university experience.
With your support, we will revolutionize the student experience and create a vibrant, supportive, and diverse community.