Introduction

Hi, my name is Vanessa Mabonso Nzolo, I’m an Anthropology and IR graduate. I currently work as the Student President at the Students’ Union. I started in student politics through the Union in 2020, as a committee member and president of the BAME Forum. To me, being a Social Science student has always meant being an activist: politics is inherently personal; we all can influence decisions that affect us.

What are your three priorities for the year?

1. Innovative solutions for immediate support in the cost-of-living crisis.

Our team has supported students in an economic crisis that affects our community in terms of finances and wellbeing. We lobbied the university to collaborate with us on a university-wide ‘cost-of-living working group’. We extended opening hours of the union building to become a “living room” on campus, with space for activities, relaxing, and studying. We have ensured cheap coffee and tea, cheap/free events, and the expansion of the Foodshare. I lobbied NUS Scotland to include international students in their ‘Fighting for Students’ campaign, to ensure we support all students equally on a national level. We need to expand our support offering!

 2.  Professional experience and mentoring for all students.

Students are concerned of lacking professional experience upon entering the job market. I want to create a platform to support students’ professional development.

• Schools should support internships in local charities and companies, by picking up some of the costs of hiring our students.
• We have the knowledge to mentor and prepare our students to the job market: senior management, university court members, professors, staff members, and external partners have knowledge and experience that we need to take advantage of.

3. Build an inclusive student community.

The Union has significantly increased student engagement: I believe we can take it to the next level.

• We need to include all students in our activities. Clubs and societies should be inclusive to all regardless of gender, race, age, or ability. I believe in good practice of mixed committees for competitive sports, creating more non-competitive sports, and offering semester long membership options.
• Communicate the tools and support we offer for those wanting to create fundraising or political awareness campaigns and share opportunities to join student-led campaigns.

What unique skill/knowledge can you bring to the role to stand out from the other candidates? 

I am curious person, eager to learn more and not scared to face challenges. I have extensive knowledge of Union and university structures, processes, and culture. This has enabled me to network, identify opportunities and challenges, and create change. My research aligns with the challenges of inclusivity in higher education that our students face, which supports me in discussions on race equality and decolonization.

What do you think is the biggest issue that students are facing at the moment and how do you plan to tackle it? 

Cost-of-living crisis is affecting student experience: students cannot focus on studies and enjoy student activities fully when their wellbeing is at stake. I want to keep this as a priority. As a students’ union it is our responsibility to make sure NUS Scotland keeps pushing this on a national level and considers the diversity of student experience.