Here are just a few of the amazing students who are involved in the Students' Union. Hear why they got involved!
EDDIE BAMMEKE - RACE AND CULTURAL INCLUSION NETWORK
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH STAFFS STUDENTS’ UNION?
I was included in the Microaggressions video in 2020 for some University seminar, after pulling up some very valid points during this event I was asked to fill a vacant spot. I joined as chair on condition that I was able to change name so all feel welcome
DESCRIBE YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN STAFFS SU?
As chair of Race and Cultural Inclusion Network it has been a post where behind the scenes I can help people with cultural issues regarding and help get people from different cultures feel involved with university
WHAT IMPACT HAS YOUR INVOLVEMENT WITH THE STUDENTS’ UNION HAD ON YOUR UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE?
An amazing impact I have loved every minute of this experience it has opened creative channels in my journey as a film maker and also has given me an opportunity to see how an organisation like Student Union is run
HAS BEING INVOLVED WITH THE SU HELPED YOU TO FEEL PART OF THE WIDER STAFFS COMMUNITY?
This is probably the biggest part of the inclusion the support and the community feeling
HAS YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN THE SU HELPED YOU TO PREPARE FOR LIFE AFTER UNIVERSITY?
It has definitely opened channels for success after University
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT BEING INVOLVED WITH STAFFS SU?
Being able to have a channel of discussion with powers that be regarding decolonising education system and to be able to take the SU to Cannes to speak on behalf of my department
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO STUDENTS WHO HAVE YET TO BE INVOLVED IN STAFFS SU?
GET INVOLVED ASAP it is so important you know they are here for you
Sid Impey – LGBTQ+ Network
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH STAFFS' STUDENTS UNION?
My first impactful involvement with the Student Union was as student when I was elected as finance officer for the LGBTQ+ Network in 2021. This role allowed to communicate and represent other student’s voices at many different areas of the student union and the university. The experiences as finance officer within the LGBTQ+ Network, empower me to follow into the role as network manager in 2022/2023.
DESCRIBE YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN STAFFS SU??
The effect of the volunteering with the student union has enabled develop a community of friends and chosen family whilst working on larger projects that will create better outcomes for students in the future. These experiences have lead me to switch my educational focus towards employment within the equality, diversity and inclusion sector (EDI), with hopes to get a career helping larger community of people like I have at Staffordshire University’s Student Union.
HAS YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN THE SU HELPED YOU TO PREPARE FOR LIFE AFTER UNIVERSITY?
The skills and experiences from being committee have made me a more active student, which means I have the confidence to speak openly to future students, as well as further opportunities in employment.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT BEING INVOLVED WITH STAFFS SU?
The greatest achievement of being involved with the student union is assisting in set-up of the Student Transition Fundraiser, which has allowed the network to help trans and non-binary students to access private health care as well as, providing social transition opportunities.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO STUDENTS WHO HAVE YET TO BE INVOLVED IN STAFFS SU?
My advice to anyone who is looking to get involved is DO IT! Find your community within the student union and you’ll slowly find that you know more people than you might think! ?.