In the upcoming NTSU elections, you’ll have the chance to vote for your VP Opportunities for next year. Whoever is voted in to the role will work closely with societies and help to organise student union events.
We spoke to the candidates putting themselves forward to be your future VP Opportunities. Here’s what they had to say:
Cameron Sutton, Incumbent
What makes you the better choice for the role over the other candidates?
Being your current VP Opportunities, I feel ideally placed to continue the role into a 2nd and final year, where I can continue to work on my manifesto ideas to benefit both students and societies.
I’m always trying to come up with new ideas to keep students engaged; our Run for RAG challenge, for example, has now raised over £500 so far this term for our two amazing nominated charities.
I also have friendly and productive relationships with staff within both NTSU and NTU and I’d look to further solidify these going forward.
Finally, after the past year of low society activity due to the pandemic, how will you encourage societies and freshers to engage with the opportunities that the SU offers?
Despite the expected dip in society membership numbers this year, interestingly, they’re still higher than they were this time 2 years ago.
This indicates there’s still a big demand for students wanting to get involved with SU activities and I believe my manifesto is reflective of that.
A GIAG week including society taster sessions, a dedicated skills swap programme between societies and sports clubs, and a virtual Society Freshers’ Fair to coincide with the in-person fairs to boost overall engagement would all be positive steps towards allowing students to get the most out of their university life!
Emily Nourse, Business Management and Marketing student
What makes you the better choice for the role over the other candidates?
Every candidate has their own sparks and will do an amazing job no matter the turnout and I don’t believe anyone is better than the other.
I know I have the experience of working with the students, so I know first-hand what the students want.
I am an approachable, outgoing individual and I will always put you all first.
My excitement for the next year alone highlights how enthusiastic I am to make this the best year yet, and I know together we can achieve that.
Finally, after the past year of low society activity due to the pandemic, how will you encourage societies and freshers to engage with the opportunities that the SU offers?
As a previous Social and Wellbeing officer and the Entertainments Host for NTSU, I know what it is like to work with students and what is interesting and important to them.
I will encourage societies and freshers to engage with the SU by marketing all the events around the University and student halls as well as the social accounts, as I know not all students are aware of the social media pages.
I have so many different types of events planned which will hopefully attract a range of people and societies and encourage new members.
The best way to involve people is making them feel important, I feel I am extremely approachable and will make all students feel welcome and know they can ask or suggest anything to me at any time.
Diana Oyifiye Anebi, MSc Biomedical Science
What makes you the better choice for the role over the other candidates?
I believe that my determination for students’ excellence in jobs and career prospects made me the best candidate for the VP Opportunities.
As a current international student, I understand international students’ struggles and what Home/EU students often face in searching for their desired jobs and employment opportunities.
With the NTU students’ support, I am looking forward to exploring numerous internal and external jobs opportunities to increase students’ employability during and after graduation.
Finally, after the past year of low social activity due to the pandemic, how will you encourage societies and freshers to engage with the opportunities that the SU offers?
One of my strengths is that I am a very social person.
Therefore, I will work with the various SU officials, professional groups, the university’s employability team to organise fun-like social events and workshops that are essential for improving students’ mental health and wellbeing.
Comfort Yarkor Ampadu, MSc Psychology
What makes you the better choice for the role over the other candidates?
My experience, vast knowledge in societal activities and ready to learn more to apply makes me stand out.
I am a person interested in societal activities as I earlier stated. Back in my undergraduate, I join various societies like the Cadet, Choir, Dancing group, Advocate for the Disabled and I excelled very well in there, rising to a high rank of Commander in the cadet.
The experience, knowledge I already have, ones I am still learning makes me a better choice.
Finally, after the past year of low society activity due to the pandemic, how will you encourage societies and freshers to engage with the opportunities that the SU offers?
I think change is dynamic so is all about a better branding of all available or upcoming opportunities.
So myself and my other colleagues as a team would brand all our activities as juicy as smoothies to entice all.
Mithil Yogesh Shah, Msc Management and Finance
What makes you a better choice for the roles over others?
As my current course representative, I already serve students and am familiar with their academic problems. On a regular basis, I communicate with the students and provide input.
I was a member of my college’s cultural committee and was in charge of activities.
Many students have benefited from my assistance in obtaining concessional rental accommodation.
I can assure you of my commitment to finishing what I start. I guarantee complete honesty and will always be there for you.
Finally, after the past year of low society activity due to the pandemic, how will you encourage societies and freshers to engage with the opportunities that the SU offers?
Everyone has been dealing with a variety of problems as a result of this unexpected pandemic in various regions. Motivation and opportunities are in short supply.
As a member of NTU, where I truly belong, I want to make a difference in people’s lives by seeking out opportunities that will enable them to return to their daily routine and environment.
I’ll hope to initiate a “One Step Closer” program in which students can socialise and concentrate on something other than their studies, encouraging them to mingle with their fellow students.
I’ll work to assure student satisfaction by providing appropriate feedback and support, since they are an integral part. It isn’t all about me; it is about all of us.
Voting for the students’ union elections opens at 7pm on Friday, the 12th March and will close at 5pm on Friday the 19th of March.
By Robbie Nichols