Introduction
My name is Naqeeb Kakar, and I am currently studying International Law as a master's student. I joined the University of Aberdeen right after completing my undergraduate degree, and I still embody the spirit of a full-time student activist who can relate to both undergraduates and postgraduates. During my graduation, a significant part of my student activism was dedicated to tackling the challenges brought about by COVID-19 that still exist, such as disruptions to education, mental health, finance, and socialization. As VP Education candidate, I aim to address these challenges of isolation and uncertainty about career, through connective education policies enhanced career counselling and promoting digital awareness.
What are your three priorities for the year?
My top priority is fostering a sense of belonging and community among students across all UOA campuses through” connective education”. After the COVID-19 pandemic the trend of individualized online learning has been accelerated leaving students feeling stressed and isolated. By creating a collaborative and supportive learning environment, students can build relationships, develop important social and emotional skills, and enhance their academic performance. To achieve this goal, I aim to advocate for university to incorporate project-based learning into the curriculum, facilitating interactions between students and experts through webinars, seminars, and project studies.
My second priority as VP Education would be to promote advanced digital skills among students and advocate for increased investment in digital skills that would keep up with future employment demands and encourage innovation. This includes working with university to incorporate technological education as an essential component of degree programs, providing every student with special support to ensure advanced digital skills and helping them remain competitive in the job market beyond campus.
Thirdly, I aim to collaborate with career and employability services to enhance career counselling capacities and create opportunities for practical and clinical work. This will empower students to gain hands-on experience and navigate the uncertain and overwhelming landscape of post-graduation employment.
What unique skill/knowledge can you bring to the role to stand out from the other candidates?
As a candidate for this role, I believe my unique skill set includes my ability to connect with students on a personal level. During my undergraduate studies, I worked closely with students who were away from home and experienced similar challenges. This experience has helped me develop a keen understanding of the concerns that students face, and I am able to articulate these concerns effectively. Additionally, my approach towards problem-solving is holistic, considering all aspects of the issue at hand rather than adopting a radical stance. These skills and experiences enable me to bring a balanced perspective to the role and work towards making a positive impact on the student community.
What do you think is the biggest issue that students are facing at the moment and how do you plan to tackle it?
Post-COVID education and employment demands have disrupted students' mental health, leading to social isolation and uncertainty in their pursuit of education. Despite the availability of mental health support, some students prioritize their careers and go along struggling alone. An inclusive and connective education system that integrates mental wellbeing, provides practical skills on campus will alleviate the sense of meaninglessness and uncertainty among students.
