Whoa, February has vanished into thin air! It feels like just yesterday I was scribbling away at January's update. The elections are now over and I've only got four more of these blog posts to go - it's mind-boggling how fast this year is zooming by!

One thing I've learned from writing these posts is to give myself a big ol' pat on the back for all the awesome stuff I've done. Let's be real, it's easy to forget just how cool you are until you write it all down. Okay, enough of the mushy stuff—let's get to what I've been up to! 

Elections 

Well at the start of the year I said to myself that I would only do this job for a year, but halfway through January I decided to run for this position again. Throughout this month, I won't lie to you, it has been one of the most stressful months for me mentally juggling everything and not knowing what’s round the next corner. But throughout all of this I have met some truly inspiring people and all of the candidates should be very proud of themselves for going for these positions. Even though I am not going to be here next year, Sammy (current Southlands Presidents) will continue what I have started and make the Students Union will flourish and grow even further! Go get em Sammy!  

LGBTQ+ History Month  

We shined a spotlight on the vibrant LGBTQ+ community! Every weekday, I shared inspiring quotes to kick-start your day. But that's not all – I also highlighted some of the unsung heroes on campus and dived into the fascinating stories of lesser-known individuals who are making a difference. And, of course, no celebration would be complete without some fun events! We had pin badge making and film nights. As we look ahead to Pride Month, we're excited to explore ways to collaborate throughout the year, ensuring the spirit of inclusivity and celebration never fades. So, stay tuned for a year-round party of diversity and unity.

Mental Health Network 

We're thrilled to report that our mental health superhero squad is in the making! Following the fantastic success of our Movember initiative, we've been busy teaming up with the Bystander team to create a comprehensive network of students trained in mental health awareness and active bystander intervention.

Over the past few weeks, we've had several productive meetings to figure out how this program can link into our broader objectives. We're excited to see how this initiative will enhance our students' CVs, improve peer support, increase campus safety, and generally make our academic environment a more supportive and mentally healthy place.

Last week we had our first training day and it went extremely well so keep an eye out for future events! I can't wait to share more updates as we save the world (or at least our campus) one bystander intervention at a time! 

Common room – open day  

As we welcome another month, we're excited to host another open day for our future students! This event was a unique experience for me, as it brought together all four colleges, the RSU, and the University in one room, creating a dynamic reminiscent of a Harry Potter-inspired gathering. It was an honour to be a part of this collaboration - and for those who know me well are aware of my passion for quizzes. Being a joint host alongside Imran was a fantastic experience. 

Green Week  

Green Week, is a five-day event promoting environmental awareness and action on campus. This week was brought to you by your current RSU President Imran. It included activities like documentary screenings, Green Fair, workshops, and clean-up projects to build a culture of sustainability. The events aimed to raise awareness about environmental issues, educate participants on sustainable practices, and encourage collective action towards a more sustainable future, while building a community responsible for environmental stewardship. 

Students Union on tour 

I always like partaking in the student union on tour by promoting the RSU around campus. This involves gathering feedback and meeting students in person to understand their needs and interests. Speaking to so many students was such a enriching experience and one thing I can take away from this is, all students have an opinion, they just need someone to talk to about it. Doing this helps build connections and ensures that the RSU is responsive to student concerns, building a more inclusive and supportive community environment. 

My quote to finish off this month is: "You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.” — Dan Millman