The student union is a democratic run organisation that aims to provide a great experience for all students.
It may look like a well-run ship on the outside but what is it like behind the scenes? The student union is held together by three main presidents – George Coombs, Olivia Bowers and Steph Foxton. George Coombs, who has recently started his second year as the Students’ Union President, tells us what it’s like being in charge of the buzzing student hub.
Being the student union president gives you the platform to drive change. The role gives you a chance to push forward causes you believe in, in Georges’ case, this was environmental change and change in support with students regarding mental health. The role also gives you a chance to interact with students from a range of backgrounds.
George first got involved in the union back in 2015. “In my first year, which seems like 10 years ago now, I had a good relationship with Laura Jackson, who was the student union president at the time, and I got involved in sports,” he says, “seeing the relationship between the student body and the president, made me realise it would be such a good experience.” A big advantage of this job is being able to make lasting friendships with like-minded people. During his time at university, he studied fine art.
The Students’ Union presidents get votes in on their manifesto and their objectives. Three main points for George were environmental and sustainability events and better support with students regarding mental health. Part of his manifesto was to make sure students had a wide range of activities over semester one and two.
When asked what his perfect day would be, George said “an ideal day would be engaging with students and being their main point of call.” A big part of George’s job is communicating with the student body. He says, “The best days include gathering feedback and speaking to relevant staff members to see how we can change things.” Communication is vital in a well ran establishment, so George and the Student Union make sure students know what’s going on in the Student Union and he always reaches out to the student body by using their voice and ideas to better the Union. We can always count on George.
Having such an important role in the student body, you need to be organised and George is just that. “A bog-standard day would be cracking on with my objectives, planning for future events and speaking to students,” says George. However, he then goes onto say “it’s very eclectic and it can be all over the place, it just depends on the day.” No two days are the same and that is what makes the role interesting and it keeps you on your feet.
You may think the job is all positive, however, you can never switch off. He can’t even walk down the street without being recognised. George says “even though I technically work Monday to Friday, 9 to 5, You can’t really clock off. I’m not just George, I’m the student union president.”
In a generation where social media is a major part of our day to day life, George explains how he can’t even get a break on the weekends from messages. “especially when Facebook is a main point of call”. He says: “I have to check my professional Facebook on the weekends, when I really shouldn’t.”
Even if he can’t have a break from being George the Student Union President, he doesn’t see this as a negative. He says: “I wouldn’t see this as a negative, it sometimes just gets difficult when you can’t clock off. It’s amazing to actually engage with students and if they want to speak to me all the time, it’s almost like I’ve done my job properly.”
There is no doubt George loves his job. Throughout my chat with him, he showed me there are more positives than negatives. He says that he is “making people’s lives ten times better with the work you do.” That must feel pretty amazing.
Getting positive feedback from the work he does is a big part of the job and why he loves it. He’s recently been talking to the sports clubs and societies about how they could make their student experience better. “For me, the positive feedback really resonates in me and it just makes you think that this job is brilliant, I’m doing a good job as well.”
It can be hard for him to take a break from the job and enjoy himself, however, when George gets free time, he likes to engage in a range of activities. Being from Manchester, he has a strong interest in the Manchester music scene, which include The Smiths. George also said that he enjoys going to independent film festivals with his partner. He also plays badminton competitively. “I am also heavily keen into my exercising. I run quite a bit as well. Doing sport is one of the biggest things I do in my spare time.”
One main aim for George is to make sure all student can voice their opinion. He explains that “It’s really good to be able to represent and support the student body and make sure their voice is heard.” This was a main point in his manifesto and throughout the year he demonstrates this through student experience zones and chances to talk to him one-on-one about your worries and doubts.
George been an asset to the Student Union and student body. It’s been eye opening to learn about his role in the union. As the year goes on, there is no doubt that he will do our university proud and continue to make our university experiences even better than they are now. Every day he continues to be there for us when we need him and listen to us when we need him most. He really is an amazing Student Union President.