When I ran in my first Leadership Race in 2012 never did I actually believe at any point I'd ever get it. Even after the disbelief had registered after results were announced it took a few days for it to sink in and the journey to begin!
I had gone through a particular bad bout of depression while struggling to motivate myself to do just about anything. I came across the promotion but dismissed it telling myself it just "wasn't for me". It wasn't til president at the time Jamie Roberston crashed the end of one of our ACS committee meetings and gently nudged me saying he thought I'd be good at it I actually began to toy with the idea and consider it.
I went home and thought a lot about it. My campaign became a fun distraction from my feelings of emptiness and gave me something to be passionate about and get reenergised over. I threw myself into making wacky ridiculous posters and from the help of my 4 person strong campaign team (who were really some friends I roped in at the time) managed to get stuck in the little project. The element of fun was what made it so memorable for me and the lack of fear not running for a 'named' position would bring.
I was stupidly nervous at the prospect of putting myself out there and felt in no way brave when I was going out there 'campaigning'- which in reality was just me approaching a people with a few points about myself and what I wanted to achieve, start or change in the union. It really is that simple. And if you're not the best at selling yourself bring someone along that'll cheer you along or even better do your PR for you ;). Campaigning should be renamed conversation. And with conversation comes listening so instead of trying to push your points in someone's face solely, hear the other person out on what they'd like to see that you could help make a reality if you win.
Being an officer is one of the most challenging yet fun and most rewarding things I've ever done. My first term was full of wobbles and confidence crises but ultimately proud moments when I achieved something I was afraid to do. It was at a STARs refresher conference the other week when one of our reps said she was inspired to run as she didn’t realise you don’t have to be a ‘born leader’ to do the job. The team and I this year are proof that leadership can be acquired and worked on and not necessarily an automatic quality. The development you encounter in the role is phenomenal and the fact that you’re actually listened to as you’re pushing through students’ views and feedback is great and spurs you on to keep driving change. One other positive about working in the Union is that you're never alone- I owe a lot of my confidence to the incredible team mates I've had both years and brilliant core staff who are always friendly, helpful faces and sources of infinite knowledge who will always make time for you.
The job is varied and unpredictable as students are your boss meaning a whole manner of curveballs can be thrown your way on a weekly basis. For example a course or module closure someone needs your help saving right down to you going down to holding an impromptu vigil and doing a tribute to Nelson Mandela at the Diversity Fashion Show last minute.
Nothing compares to the sense of achievement you feel regardless of whether you get into office or not and not to sound cheesy but it really is the taking part that counts. By virtue of putting yourself forward you're taking a first step that the majority of students would never even dream of. Why wait when you can be the change?
NOMINATE YOURSELF TODAY
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