Students’ Union Elections: The President’s View – Laura Jackson
So the Students’ Union elections have officially started. Nomination packs are in and we have some fantastic candidates. There are seven people running for President, two for Vice President Education, three for Vice President Welfare and Diversity, seven for the Four Faculty Chairs and three for NUS Delegate. It’s such an exciting time and I adore the buzz that comes with elections – posters everywhere, chalk all over the floor, candidates with cakes, cups of tea, stickers, stamps, all set to talk to students about why they are the best person for the job. It’s a true testament to York St John that our elections are friendly, candidates get on rather than argue, they help each other through the process.
I’ve been part of campaign teams since I was a first year and I’ve always come out the other side having really enjoyed my week and knowing I’ve met someone knew (and it a lot of cases, made friends for life). From campaigning for others, to running myself, campaigns week always brings something new and exciting. SU elections are so much fun to be a part of and such a learning curve for candidates, whether they win or not. The different techniques used by candidates differ every year, particular highlights of my time being – a buzz light year costume, Lego pieces with manifesto points on, flash mobs, and the many many rhyming campaign slogans (which I’m guilty of myself!).
Our Students’ Union elections are so important and that’s one of the crucial points to get across to students – that voting overall is important, not just for a particular candidate. The people they chose to represent them make so many decisions and influence priorities for both the union and the university so it’s crucial they pick the right person for the job. Whether they are in the Students’ Union every day or pop in once in a while to use the shop or get advice from an officer, it’s essential every student uses the chance to have their say on who represents them.
While I love the buzz of elections, I’m also finding the whole process rather difficult. Because this week, means my time is nearly up and being a representative has been the best experience of my life. I adore campaigning, while elections week was tough – you forget to eat, sleep & drink you get so wrapped up in it sometimes – I learnt so much about myself as a person and came out stronger on the other side. Having students tell you they believe in you and what you are trying to do is the best feeling, our student community is so supportive – I loved how many students would invite me in for a cuppa in halls to listen to me chat about my manifesto. Our candidates will do things they never thought they could this week, whether that’s talk to a stranger or be chucked in the air by one of our sports or societies they visit (cheerleading particularly enjoyed doing this to me!).
I honestly can’t imagine life without York St John Students’ Union, I’m sure I’m about to experience what most of you as alumni went through when you left. Being president isn’t just a job, it’s a lifestyle, and one I love at that. Nevertheless, while the experience of being an outgoing President has been tough watching people running for my job, this year’s candidates are excellent and I’m so happy to say their manifestos encapsulate the issues or students care about and the work they want to do would make incredible changes for the students at York St John. So while I’m sad about leaving, I’m so excited to handover to someone new and watch the incredible work they will do. Every new officer brings a breath of fresh air to our Union and I’m looking forward to watching the new direction the new officers take the Union in.
Laura Jackson
Students’ Union President, 2014-2015
