My loyalty has always been - and will always be - to the students. I pledge to use my voice for your progress.

​

HOW HAS THIS YEAR PREPARED ME?

In preparation for writing an open letter to the University about the lack of sufficiently protective academic policies in November 2020, I spoke to students across the student body to educate myself on the challenges the pandemic had posed to different subject areas and groups so that I could represent as many students as possible. That letter got several thousand signatures from Exeter students - you may even have signed it! For a recap,  you can read it here. This  led to a national petition which gained over 23,000 signatures from students around the country. With S4AM, I have since helped these students launch a campaign at their respective universities, hosted Q&A sessions on student activism and been invited to speak at several events on the student experience this year. 

I have proven my commitment to all students and will continue to do so as your Vice-President. I have continued to proactively reach out to students to make sure I am in touch with current student issues, making me a visible figure who students continue to reach out to for advice. There have been times where I have not known the answer, but I have put in the work to educate myself to be able to do the best job possible in representing student needs. For example,  I have held meetings with Post-graduate research and mature students.

​

This year has shown me that results come from perseverance and determination. Even when it appeared that the university would not listen to our concerns, S4AM continued to push them and ask for meetings until we successfully expanded university policy and demanded clearer communication from the leadership teams. I have not been afraid to push the university for the hard answers and have taken every opportunity to feedback your views.

​

ALREADY HAVE A SEAT AT THE TABLE.

Since November, I have sat in on meetings with the Guild which has allowed me to get a real sense of what being a Sabb really entails, meaning I will be ready to hit the ground running.  I have attended countless meetings with the senior team giving me a unique insight into the inner workings of the institution and the policies behind academic decisions. I was at the forefront of these negotiations this year - I know the staff, I know the processes and I know what works. I have already changed university policy through negotiation and mounting a successful campaign with Students For Academic Mitigation. I have a good grasp on the most pressing academic issues students are currently facing, while also being aware of issues that have long needed rectifying.

WHY DO I WANT TO BE YOUR NEXT VICE-PRESIDENT FOR EDUCATION?

I have demonstrated my passion for students' academic rights as well as my drive to foster change through tirelessly campaigning this year. As your next VP, I will be able to build on my work from this year to continue Covid-19 support, as well as setting in motion further changes I believe to be necessary in adapting educational institutions to a post-Covid-19 world. Due to my experience, discussions will not have to start all-over again as incoming officers have to learn the ropes. Voting for me will ensure that students' academic rights are at the forefront of the agenda from day one of term one.