Facebook Instagram Candidate Speech
Hello! I am Borokinni Joshua and I am running for Vice-President Wellbeing and Diversity 2022/2023 session.
My time as an international student at the University of Plymouth has exposed me to the diversity and uniqueness of its student population. More than anything else, I believe that this diversity can be leveraged for transformational good. Thus, my agenda is to:
Celebrate and leverage the diversity of the university: I am intentional about promoting love, empathy, compassion, and peaceful co-existence of all members of the university community. Hence, I plan to organise special events across the year that speak to these values. These events will feature opportunities for sexual and ethnic minorities to form stronger communities, access mentorship, business ideas, start-up funding, and career advice from professionals of similar backgrounds/cultures.
Improve mental health and wellbeing of all students: As a student of clinical psychology, I understand the struggles students face with anxiety, burnout, and depression. This is especially true for underrepresented communities like the LGBTQ+, disabled students, and mature students. Hence, I will work with the mental health support service of the university to see an improvement in the mental health and wellbeing of all students, void of judgement and/or stigmatization. I will also be looking to tackle glitches in the system (e.g accommodation/housing problems, environmental challenges, excess workload, stigmatization, etc) that are limiting students from having a wholesome learning experience.
Provide a welcoming environment for every student: As an international student, first-generation migrant, and mature student, I plan to organise a series of welcome events for new students across all semesters. These events will provide an opportunity for new/prospective students to better understand the university system and get clarity to all their questions. It will also provide an avenue for like-minded individuals to meet, exchange ideas, and form stronger communities.