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What is your name?
Krupa Naik
What course are you studying?
MSc Clinical Psychology
What stage of your course are you currently studying?
Masters
What motivated you to run for a Sabbatical Officer role and why do you think you would be a good Sabbatical Officer
With 6 years in mental health counselling and yoga, I see this role as a chance to merge my passion for holistic well-being and inclusion with university life.As an international student, I relate to the various challenges that impact students.I believe this can be a perfect opportunity to advocate for a campus that prioritises empowering students ,where students can authentically express themselves without any fear of discrimination whether they have travelled across the globe or from nearby.
Why is the Sabbatical Officer role important
Sabbatical Officer role is vital as it serves as an opportunity to address the needs and challenges of a growing student body, this includes aspects like cost of living, mental and physical health, accommodation and safety. This role can be the dedicated voice for all students, particularly underrepresented student groups like BAME, LGBTQIA+ and specially-abled individuals. Beyond a title, it's about turning challenges into growth opportunities, to enhance every student's university experience.
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Empathetic, Resilient , Determined
If you could change one thing about the University, what would that be?
A change I would like to see in our university would be to boost student involvement in decision-making.This means giving students a stronger voice and setting up transparent feedback channels to continually improve university policies and services. A pivotal aspect of this change is to significantly increase student participation in shaping policies, especially those related to wellbeing, academic and career support.This change can foster inclusion and support our student community's needs.
If you could change one thing about the Students' Union, what would it be?
I would like to work towards strengthening connections with diverse student groups, and share information widely about events, resources, and opportunities. This plan aims to engage students with diverse interests and make them aware of numerous events and resources available. Additionally, I aim to facilitate close-knit group discussions for personalised support, foster cross-cultural interaction through events, and strengthen alumni networks for job opportunities and career mentoring.
Who do you draw most inspiration from and why?
My mother and grandmother, both incredible women who raised me, are my everyday inspiration.They showed me how important it is to be caring, kind, and create a positive and supportive environment through their own actions. Inspired by Maya Angelou's resilience and eloquence, these strong women have shown me the importance of embracing the transformative power of kindness and resilience.
What is your proudest moment so far and why?
My proudest moment was deciding on higher education over a secure job. It made me realise that despite fear, I defied it and pursued my dream of studying abroad with persistence, becoming the first in my family to seek education overseas.This step embodied courage, growth, and the belief that dreams can come true with dedication. It strengthens my commitment to encourage others to chase their dreams despite fear.