Candidates for Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences College Officer

Why do you want to be elected as a Students' Union Officer?

As a health science student, I firmly believe that robust physical and mental well-being serve as the cornerstone for achieving success, fostering prosperity, enhancing productivity, and ultimately attaining happiness. My aspiration is to share my optimistic health strategies and life skills among my peers, urging them to prioritise self-care before it becomes imperative.

What would your priorities be as an Officer?

As a disabled student whose carelessness towards health have had a lasting impact, I am committed to advocating for greater awareness and understanding of conditions like PCOS, particularly among women who may need to prioritise their health. If elected as the Health, Wellbeing, and Life Science College Officer, I intend to launch campaigns aimed at educating women about the measures they can take to prevent health complications and the importance of sensitivity towards women's health issues. Additionally, I will promote the adoption of simple, sustainable habits that can enhance both personal well-being and environmental quality.

What skills and experience do you have that would make you a good Officer?

As a natural leader, I have notable years of experience guiding teams in various capacities as an administrative officer and now as a course representative at SHU. My confidence as a public speaker has been demonstrated through my role as the Student Skills Partner, where I effectively voice concerns and strive towards viable solutions for a brighter result. My organisation skill is the anchor to my approach, as I prioritise both my time and that of others, consistently implementing clear plans to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

Why do you want to be elected as a Students' Union Officer?

I embarked on my adult nursing degree with Sheffield Hallam in covid and it certainly hasn't been easy! Juggling a busy home life with placement, work and children made studying a challenge at times and due to circumstances out of my control have also navigated financial difficulty. I have tackled obstacles with a cheerful attitude, worked hard and supported others on the way! This has given me the passion to improve the student experience and I want to be elected as Health, Wellbeing & Life Sciences College Officer of the Students' Union because I want to create a brighter tomorrow.

What would your priorities be as an Officer?

I have seen the struggles students face and financial hardship SHU is going through, therefore my priority would be holistic student support, focusing on early Intervention:

WHAT? Work with SHU to develop early intervention strategies for students facing challenges

WHY? To support students and eliminate "suffering in silence" and ensure business continuity for SHU

HOW? Information sharing, proactive support, recall days, facilitate peer support opportunities, signposting to SHU's superb resources

What skills and experience do you have that would make you a good Officer?

As a mature student I appreciate the difficulties that come with studying and having a busy homelife. Therefore, I endeavour to drive change for a brighter student experience as I know how challenging it is. I work hard and have a cheerful outlook on life. I am a mental health first aider and taking part in a pilot program tacking isolation and other issues students face, offering support and pro active advice. In my free time I facilitate retreats to get people outdoors, meet new people, promote renewed energy and offer practical guidance on achieving a gratified approach to life.

Why do you want to be elected as a Students' Union Officer?

In my role as a department representative, I've encountered a diverse range of challenges that students encounter during their university experience, spanning from placements to overall wellbeing to cost of living issues. As an Officer, I would aspire to address these issues head-on. I've observed students unable and unsure how to get their opinions and issues across, and as an officer, I would aim to represent and advocate for these students, tackling issues that students experience. I’m passionate in supporting students to have the best possible university experience, being a voice for concerns and actively tackling common issues.

What would your priorities be as an Officer?

My priorities as an officer would include wellbeing promotion and resource availability to ensure all students are aware of support available to them, increasing awareness of issues such as sexual violence and harassment. ensuring students are supported. This includes support available for minoritised groups, disabled students, and international students. I would also work on; placement support and opportunities available, cost-of-living support and visibility of what the SU offer, including societies, the advice centre, and campaigns. These priorities are from issues that are common across the University and important in making sure every student feels safe, supported, and represented.

What skills and experience do you have that would make you a good Officer?

I would make a good officer due to being a department rep, representing students, working with academic societies to improve community. As the president and founder of the Women in Science society, it allowed me to support and represent an underrepresented group of students. I have worked with vulnerable children, to support their physical and mental health, demonstrating my passion for helping others and my versatility. I also teach dance which allows me to adapt and support others, communicate effectively and work in a team. These experiences have allowed me to develop the skills needed to be an effective Officer.