End of Year Update: Charis McCobb
Here at your Student Union, we are coming to the end of your 2020/21 elected Executive Committee’s time in office. Check back every day until the end of June to read their end of year updates! Next up is Student Officer, Charis McCobb:
It’s hard to believe that June is here and my time as a student officer is nearly over. I vividly remember standing in the Vault in February of 2020 surrounded by a group of people that I hardly knew, yet would come together as one amazing team. When each and every one of us stood in the elections we had no clue that we would not meet each other in person until May of 2021. Despite this, we have fought with every part of our beings to advocate for you as students no matter the situation.
The year started with a very different kind of freshers, but one which I enjoyed all the same. I met so many new and old students and loved holding so many different kinds of events for you all (I hope you enjoyed it as much as me!).
We also had the interesting job of working out how to support students we couldn’t even meet or speak to in person. One of my highlights of the year was definitely working on and releasing the recharge days in a bag. Vic and I had a great time working out what to put in them, but I can definitely say the Kinder eggs were one of the best additions! I also had so much fun creating lots of Spotify playlists for you all to use at home since none of us could go out and do anything, and I can’t wait to see those playlists multiply next year!
Semester two meant the run up to elections. I have never been prouder to be a part of our Student Union than when I saw how many of you had voted in the elections, how many of you wanted your voice heard, we really do have a one of a kind cohort of students here at the Winchester Student Union. I also cannot express how grateful I am that you’ve chosen me to be your next Student Union President, and I hope with all my heart that I am able to represent your needs to the best of my ability. There is so much I know we can achieve together, and I can’t wait to see the change we want to happen.
I couldn’t write this blog without mentioning, three of the most incredible women I have ever met, Meg, Vic and Ellen. Ellen, your constant joy and laughter never fails to cheer me up, you have taught me that happiness is more important than doing every perfectly, thank you. Vic, you were the first person who spoke to me in the 2020 elections, and have never stopped encouraging me since, thank you for all your words of wisdom, and reminders to look after myself when I seem to forget. Finally, Meg, you taught me to believe in myself and showed me that when I did, there was so much I could achieve, thank you for pushing me to be my best, and holding me accountable. I also want to say a huge thank you to my fellow student officers, we’ve had a great year and learnt so much, and I’m so grateful for our small community and friendships. I have learnt so much from our incredible executive committee, and I hope I can use all of it next year!
As my time as a student at the University of Winchester is coming to a close, I am so aware that my time at the Student Union is still only beginning, and I can’t wait to see what’s coming in the next academic year. Have a wonderful Summer and I can’t wait to see you all again in September.
Charis
