• Heya! Hopefully you’ve seen me around or at least seen my posters. If not, I’m Sophie :)
• I am your current Experience and Community Officer!
• I am doing a Masters in Forensic Science
• I have been a part of 11 different clubs and societies, including SwiftSoc, Crafts and American Football to name a few
• I’m LGBTQ+, disabled and neurodivergent, and I have loads of friends on and around campus
• I seem to find there’s always someone who knows someone here, but it means I have strong foundations to build on current relationships

So, why should you vote for me?

Last year I worked directly under the previous Experience and Community Officer, and I could list the numerous roles and experience I have held around the SU, such as AU Executive, Society Executive and Women’s Delegate but the simple answer? Because I care. I don't just care because it’s my job, I care because I actually want to improve people's lives. I want to help people be a little happier and a little less stressed with life. Our degrees are hard enough, you shouldn't have to worry about  whether you "fit in" enough to do something.

For the last year I have been a part of the Staffordshire Youth Advisory Group. Speaking out about the student experience and making sure people understand the financial and other difficulties we face, making change, developing ideas and driving initiative to help us thrive for the world after uni. 

Although I’ve never been a voice rep, I have used to system to speak out about my experiences on my course. In my third year I couldn’t find a lab coat to fit me properly which would have prevented me from completing my labs. This is something basic that should have been provided for me, yet the lab coats are built around a standard size man. They were not fit for women, or anyone slightly taller or shorter than average, and this is something that is meant to keep you safe. I challenged this and brought it right up through the course, the school and the faculty to the education officer, and now there is an increased range to fit everyone no matter what you look like. 

To be an Elected Officer I think there a are a few key qualities you must possess:

1. Approachability 

I think anyone should feel comfortable talking to you and you should make time to hear what people have to say. 

1. Passion

I give 110% in everything I do. I care about the University, the SU and most importantly I care about each and every student, past, present and future. The most important people to an Officer is you. 

1. Knowledgable

I have experienced the highs and lows of university life. I have been here for 5 years, I have lived, worked and breathed this SU for the majority of this time. I have lived off and on campus, from here to Stoke Centre and dealt with the awful bus system making me late to lectures or miss them completely. I have changed courses, studied dual honours, done undergraduate and masters, and definitely got lost in Chancellors once or twice (or quite a few times actually) 

I have felt lonely and isolated, I have then found my people, the friends who’ve got my through everything. I’ve lived through Covid and the Cost of Living Crisis, rising rent and scraping by. I’ve felt the stress of keeping on top of everything and balancing home life, yet I’ve experienced getting through it all to be where I am today. 

What I’m trying to say is that my experience has made me who I am, and that is how I know I’ll be the best officer for you. 

So if you too have experienced:

• Bills and rent which only seem to be rising
• The increased pressure to find part time work
• The awful bus system
• The stress and pressure of uni life

VOTE FOR SOPHIE