Introduction:
Hi, I am Hattie your new Sabbatical Education officer for the student union. First off, I am neurodiverse. I have a diagnosis of ADHD and dyslexia (I could talk for England many would love me to talk less!) but also have a diagnosis of ASD (autistic spectrum disorder) previously known as Asperger’s.
This mix means that I can seem very extroverted but find social signals hard to read and sensory issues can make things that seem easy a real challenge. The extent that this effects me varies and as with others like myself we find ways to cope to adapt and know what does and doesn’t help. I am hoping in part of my time as Education officer to help ensure there is a sensory space for students and staff who are neurodiverse to use and I know that something of this nature is already in the pipeline!
Manifesto:
So my pledges to you remain the same as when I stood for election.
Overall to ensure students know what is on offer to them in terms of online and on campus support, such as study skills drop in, there help via email or teams and the great library team who have become like friends to me this year.
Pledges:
1. Study pods, sound proofed individual study booths across campus to improve productivity, tackling sensory overload too!
2. A stationary pantry, free stationary for all students no questions asked. Money should never be a barrier to having the basic learning equipment.
3. Termly lectures and dinner for staff academics and students to meet and get to know each other, fostering a sense of Birkbeck community and identity as well as enabling you to become inspired by a subject outside of the area you study for your degree.
4. A BBK app, that will combine all of the online learning recourses into one easy to use platform for your smartphone or desktop. It will have direct links to the SU website with an interactive notice board as well as links to wellbeing services, campus security and TFL.
5. Regular extra curricular trips to broaden your learning. BBK goes to the ballet, BBK goes to the BBC, BBK goes to watch the athletics, BBK goes to the Royal albert hall, BBK visit the national trust (there are so many places we could go!) the aim is to get you inspired about the different array of places you might choose to work. Have you wondered how you get a job in the museum sector. Heard of the ballet but never been as you felt it wasn’t the place for you. I hope we can change that and start to open doors and broaden horizons for all BBK students.
6. To be here for you, in person and online to facilitate and help you get the right help at the right time without delay.
A Bit About Me...
What is your role?
As a representative for Birkbeck students, I am your Education Lead. My primary responsibility is to advocate for all students, which is the most crucial aspect of my role. By highlighting areas needing improvement within the University, I aim to enhance the higher education experience for all students. This advocacy ensures that the changes proposed are personalised and validated by the student body.
Tell us a bit about yourself…
After an array of complex personal circumstances, my journey to getting a degree has been quite complex. (I have begun and then stopped at so many universities it is really quite embarrassing: Kings, LSE, Birkbeck (back in 2019, the right place the wrong time!) My first year is from Exeter and now I am back here at Birkbeck hoping beyond hope to graduate in 2026 in liberal arts. This offers me a broad array of module choices which has been great. I have gained insight across academic department that I hope will assit me in my role as Education officer. It was my complex journey through education as well as my passion for reforming the curriculum and championing high standards of holistic education for all children and young people that led me to stand in the election.
At age 8 I spoke on the today programme about a campaign to improve school meals. I was also elected to the Camden youth council on a campaign empowering youth through direct action. So my interest in education is not something I just adopted for the campaign. This matters to me.
Why did you run in the elections?
So far at Birkbeck I have been able to push myself into a lot more social engagement and I hope my time as an officer will continue this, as I work with my colleagues to make your student experience the best it can be. I want to ensure you don’t just make it to graduation but you excel academically and have an enriched experience - with the chance to go on extracurricular trips across the year.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself?
After GCSE I went to a full time ballet school for a short time. I loved the feeling of dancing, I miss the music and the freedom of expression it gave me, I haven’t ever found a comparison and know it was also such a privilege to have had the time I did in the ballet world. I will always be in part a ‘dancer’ that is a part of my identity I won’t ever fully loose. If you dance you know! Its an identity not just a passion.