Introduction

I am a 4th year Sport and Exercise science student. I was born and raised here in Aberdeen and loved it so much that I decided to study here too. In my spare time, I enjoy having a variety of hobbies. My passion is track and field and I am a Scottish international athlete. I love all things sport and exercise. I am passionate about using sports and societies to bring people together and create a positive inclusive place for everyone. Our clubs and societies are crucial for students to maintain positive mental health and cope with academic stresses.

What are your three priorities for the year?

Celebrate what our clubs and societies achieve and do. I believe our groups deserve more recognition for all their accomplishments and efforts. Clubs and societies work tirelessly to operate and deliver high-quality events for our students. Therefore, I would like to use our social media platforms more effectively to celebrate all the amazing successes. We need to get better at ‘blowing our own trumpets’.

I would like to continue to improve our communication between our activities and the student union to ensure our clubs and societies are heard. I would like to provide support to our student groups in a way that doesn’t increase the workload for committees. I would like to be an accessible friendly face of support for all our groups.

Our clubs and societies are pivotal for students' mental health. These groups provide an escape from academic and life stresses. I would like to improve our societies' and club committees' knowledge of mental health awareness. Our group leaders and coaches are instrumental in supporting fellow students throughout their university journey. I want to provide more training and support related to mental health awareness in our groups.

What unique skill/knowledge can you bring to the role to stand out from the other candidates? 

I have always been involved in student groups and sports clubs through school and further education. I am a UKathletics qualified coach delivering community athletics sessions 3 times a week. I am currently a track and field captain for the university athletics club and stand on two sports club committees. I believe my involvement in clubs within the university and the local community provides me with the knowledge and understanding of the challenges that our groups can face. Being a local lass I have the unique knowledge of what our wider city could offer our clubs and societies.

What do you think is the biggest issue that students are facing at the moment and how do you plan to tackle it?        

Student wellbeing and mental health is an ever-present issue. Our clubs and societies may not be able to resolve the underlying contributing factors to students' stresses and challenges. However, clubs and societies can be great support networks for vulnerable students. I want to make our clubs inclusive and safe for all and support our leaders to help their member overcome their challenges. I want to provide more training and support related to mental health awareness in our groups.