With the NTSU elections just around the corner, it’s time to find out who your VP Postgraduate nominees are, and why you should vote for them:
Amy Chappell
Tell me a bit about your NTU journey.
I’m currently a PG student studying Linguistics researching mature students’ experiences whilst studying at University. I’m a mature student and didn’t start university until I was 24. Studied BA English and Linguistics (Graduated December 2019), during my Undergraduate I was a Course Representative and found that I have a passion for education and the importance of everyone having the same opportunities, as a result, I decided to research this in more detail through my MA.
I chose NTU because it was local and I wanted to commute to University. The course fitted with the ways in which I wanted to learn and there was a good ‘other’ student atmosphere and staff we keen to know what other qualifications than a-level I held.
What do you think sets you apart from other candidates?
I have extensive experience representing students at NTU in a variety of ways such as NUS delegate, school and course rep and I know how important student voice is to the university and the changes our voices can make. I want to bring in the most accurate representation within the representative system to ensure all voices and backgrounds are heard equally. Made dedication to students inspired my dissertation topic for my masters’ research and coming from a WP background, I know how hard it is to settle in to an environment which is not familiar to me, I can support and relate this to all students because everyone has their own unique experience whatever their background. This is evident in been voted by me peers as “NTSU Course Rep of the Year 2019’ and short listed for “NTSU School Rep of the Year 2020’.
What changes would you like to make to NTU/NTSU?
When I first nominated myself, my main priority was to create a sense of community for Postgraduate students as I’ve experienced myself, it can be very isolating. However, due to the current circumstances with COVID-19, support systems for the wellbeing of students and reintroduction to University life will be important and will need dedicated time and personalisation for each student. This will be an evolving project and is unknown to us what will progress, but be rest assured it will be a key priority for all students both returning to study at NTU and new students from application to graduation and lonely. Postgraduate students have different needs and responsibilities to UG students, so events and opportunities need to be tailored to these circumstances.
Carter Yim
Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I’m currently in my fourth year at Trent, my course is Education Studies and Psychology. I came to Trent as an international student as I wanted to experience the world’s many cultures and broaden my horizons.
Why did you decide to run for VP Postgraduate?
I’m running for VP postgraduate as after 4 years here I’ve grown to this environment here at Trent and I wish to give back to this community however I can and I feel like going for this post not only allows me to continue to be part of this environment and give back but also be able to build towards my own career.
What changes would you make to NTU/NTSU if elected?
Aside from the Hotline I wish to push for transcriptions for lecture captures allowing students who missed out on lectures or international students possibly not understanding the foreign accents of their lecturer to catch up to their fellow class mates in terms of notes and understanding. Aside from that I wish to explore new methods to support students with mental health problems, such as ways to improve the silvercloud and/or increasing options of counselling.
Michelle Williams
Tell me a bit about yourself
I am on the MSc Molecular Cell Biology course based in Clifton but I also did my undergrad course at NTU on Biological Sciences. I chose NTU as it was a nice distance from where my family are but I got the experience of living in a quieter city. And Clifton campus is compact but open meaning sure I could roll out of bed to my lectures but I could also easily find green space to get some fresh air.
What is your favourite thing about NTU?
I like how the courses are based around getting into employment after or starting up your own business after all why get a degree or two if that’s not the longer term goal. And all the staff are really approachable. I recently lost a loved one and my tutor, student support, the chaplain service and the SU have all been really good at giving me a lot of support but letting me guide it to what I need at the time.
What changes would you make if elected?
I think one of the big things I would push for is either giving postgrads a re-fresher band or having evening events for targeted at postgrads as well as Fresher’s week type events in the first week back in January for people who start their courses in January. I think having events just for postgrads would allow for a community to be created, people would get a chance to get to know by face who is going through the exact same thing as them and help people feel less alone. I think it is also really important to “prep” third years about what a Master’s is like and having the opportunity to hear it from the horse’s mouth and likewise if we can master’s students about PhDs.
Paul Antonescu
Tell me a bit about your time at NTU.
I am currently in my final year of my undergrad degree studying Business Management and Economics. I had lived my whole life in Switzerland before deciding to move to Nottingham. I made the decision after one of my friends, invited me to visit him at Trent for a weekend. I was instantly hooked after visiting here and at the university during the open days that, luckily, took place the same weekend. What made my decision for me was the fact that I was really impressed by what my course could offer me and all the opportunities that came with it.
Why did you decide to run for VP Postgraduate?
I decided to run for VP Postgrad because I believe I can use my experiences to make positive changes for Postgraduate students. I have had the opportunity to talk with many students currently studying postgraduate degrees which has helped me understand what could be improved on their courses and life at university in general.
What changes would you make to NTU/NTSU if elected?
The changes I would make would include making sure all students have a good balance with their work and home life, as both can be stressful, and you never want to have to choose between which is more important. As I mention before, I am also an international student, and so I want to make sure when new international students arrive, they are all aware of the health services available, they feel included with our welcome week and, if needed, help with the accommodation guarantor scheme. One of the most important things I wish to improve is the employability at Trent. I want to develop the opportunities available using networking events and mentoring schemes through workshops and more. But I also want to make sure students feel heard and their ideas are implemented throughout the university. I want everyone to feel safe and happy here and above all, make sure everyone has an amazing experience at university and is well prepared when they leave.
Vivian Adoma Boamah
Tell me a bit about yourself and your time at NTU.
My name is Vivian Adoma Boamah, an International student from Ghana. I am studying MA International Development and currently the course rep. I must say I chose to study this course because of my ambition to work for the poor, hungry and vulnerable people and impact their Lives. Back in my home country, I started a charity Organisation called “Foundation to Empower the Economically Disadvantaged” whose aim is to extend a helping hand to the less privileged in society. I had my undergraduate Study at the University of Ghana where I served the Student Union in many Capacities including Member of School Parliament, Hall representative and Student Union Electoral Commissioner (known here as Returning Officer).
Why did you decide to run for VP Postgraduate?
I have decided to stand for the VP Postgraduate position because I believe with the plans and ideas I have Postgraduate students will experience a positive and impactful experience under my service(or as people say it “Leadership”). I am passionate about Mental health and general wellbeing needs of Postgraduates, increasing Postgraduate students feedback and creating postgraduate focused events so that post grads will feel inclusive of the NTSU.
What do you believe sets you apart from the other candidates?
I believe that my vast leadership experience from Elementary school to University coupled with 3 years post-uni working experience sets me apart from the other candidates. My valuable skills like communication skills, interpersonal skills, proactive, detail oriented, multi-tasking abilities as well set me apart.
Norman Kapeyo Muntanga
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
I am a Post graduate student doing a Masters programme in International Trade and Commercial Law. I come from Zambia in Southern Africa. I came to this country for basically two reasons , I joined my family and secondly to pursue further studies. While in Zambia I was a teaching Assistant for eight years at the university of Zambia. School of Education and Extension Studies and my interest has always been in commercial related courses. While at the university I was also a course coordinator, the role that I held up to the time when I relocated to this Country.
Why did you decide to run for VP Postgraduate?
Like any other student when you are in University there will always be challenges that one will encounter. In my case I look forward to being employed at the end of my studies. I am a mature student and I do appreciate the fact that the University provide different opportunities for Student who are look forward to getting jobs at the end of their studies. I have made applications to different graduate schemes and In most of them I have not succeeded and this seems to be a general view by most post graduate students. This is the narrative that I hope to change by engaging the university in regard to this matter.
What is your favourite thing about NTU?
It has been a great experience as a mature student at NTU. I have met friends and learnt a lot from a diverse range of different cultures. These are memories that I will always treasure and I hope that if I win these elections it will be another great experience of learning new ways of doing things, gaining experience and making another network of friends from schools and backgrounds.
Other candidates for VP Postgraduate also include Aman Jha and Arun Pratap Singh Rawat.
Voting for the students’ union elections opens at 9am on the 27th April, and will close at 5pm on the 29th April.
By Faith Pring