A bit about me:

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Ella Chivers, a 23-year-old student in my final year studying Forensic Science and Criminology. I have been at Keele for 5 years and during that time I have been a member of or attended many different societies and clubs, until I settled on netball and Frisbee. When I’m not on the dance floor or in the Outback on a Wednesday night, you might have seen me pulling pints on the bar.  I have been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to take a semester abroad at University of San Diego, seeing student life on an international level.  I am running for the role of Experience and Community Officer because students are at the heart of the Union, and they deserve representation that is dedicated, approachable and always going to put their ideas and needs first. 

You should vote for me because, over everything, I will have a seat at the table where change is made, and I’ll ensure that your feedback and experience drives those conversations. I’m often told that I am approachable, friendly and extroverted, which are great qualities for an officer to have, and I will use them to create a welcoming and safe environment for all students. I know as a student you are constantly asked for feedback, in ways that can be inaccessible or repetitive. I want to ensure that your feedback is received in ways that work for you, and that you have the opportunity to directly input into the things that affect you the most.  You can count on me to represent and support you. It really matters to me that student’s get the most out of their university experience and take advantage of everything that is offered to them. I have personally been in Netball, frisbee, salsa, burlesque, crim soc, to name a few. Now Working at the SU bar meant that I have seen first-hand how important it is for Keele students to have opportunities for experiences that bring them together as a community.

I am a great fit for the role of Experience and Community Officer because I understand this role is wider than just Clubs and Societies. Our Networks are great and I want to focus more on making more opportunities for students that have barriers to engagement- such as mature or part-time students. We have such a diverse community and the E&C role can support students in lots of  new and creative ways. I want to ensure this is a place where students can step out of their comfort zone, try new things and find their passion.the I went to the UK Women’s Nationals just months later, a unique opportunity you would probably not get outside of University. An integral part of forming and solidifying friendships is by finding people you can identify with, whether that's a club or society, or by people who are from the same background or even mode of study as you, essential in forming communities of friends and support networks that can last for your whole university experience - and beyond!

I want to be your next Experience and Community Officer because I care about enhancing the experiences of Keele students. My personal experiences as a student haven’t been traditional, but they have shaped a passion for student-led events and extracurriculars as well as having a range of opportunities available for students. The community that we have is essential as a source of support and fun during the university experience. I will always be transparent, approachable, enthusiastic, and determined to give students opportunities to have the most enriching university experience tailored to them. It is for all these reasons that I hope I can count on your vote.