Introduction:
My name is Suna and I'm really passionate about community and collective care. I'm a firm believer in the strength in caring for ourselves and each other, we are all stronger when we're surrounded by support and care. Love, community, communication and curiosity are at the heart of everything I do and aspire to. I seek for the silver linings and small blessings in a busy, and often depressing, world. I believe in better for you and for Birkbeck.
Manifesto:
As Londoners we all crave connection. We all need a village but aren't encouraged to be villagers, I’m committed to changing this, Suna rather than later. Community, connection and a sense of belonging starts with small steps — a conversation with a new person, curiosity prompted by a question, the desire to go to a new event or check out a society, being honest about needing help or advice and feeling like it’s actually given. London life, especially as a student in this economy…who has to work, and keep a social life, and stay healthy physically and mentally…is tough, so ‘Who Are We Kidding?’
We need honesty, support and love — we need a village, Suna rather than later.
What is your role?
I'm the Welfare Officer — my focuses this year are community, belonging, support and safety. To encourage conversations, connection and courage I'm hosting monthly open mic nights - Hoots & Harmony. These events have a different theme each month, platforming national campaigns, encouraging creativity and social action and community through poetry and music. In the same theme of promoting conversations, I've launched a podcast WAWK: Who Are We Kidding? The podcast aims to encourage honest conversations about how difficult being a student can be; particularly for Birkbeck students who are often trying to manage and balance multiple responsibilities. I'm committed to promoting the ways we can take care of ourself and others by creating safe and healthy environments, in SHAG week we'll focus on sexual health and guidance, in TEA week we'll look at consent, sexual violence and harassment. During my term I'll also be working behind the scenes on improving the communication between students and staff to ensure the whole Birkbeck community thrives, is supported and works together for a better Birkbeck.
Why did you run in the elections?
I founded the Birkbeck Chess Society (because I couldn't believe we didn't have one!) and saw community and friendships develop and I wanted to try and facilitate that on a larger scale. I want to make a positive impact on the world, I want Birkbeck students to feel more connected to their university and each other. University can provide such an incredible opportunity for growth and self-actualisation and I wanted to pour my energy into making sure students are safer, happier, healthier and more supported.
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I'm a third year undergraduate student studying Psychosocial Studies with Principles of Psychodynamic Counselling. I love poetry, chess, reading, singing and dancing. I have fabulous style and even more fabulous friends.
And a fun fact we might not know about you?
I'm fantastic at accents.