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What does your job actually entail? What do you see as your main responsibilities?
My job description entails convening and chairing meetings that address issues relating to international students and encompassing the field of Race Equality. Moreover it also involved co-ordinating race-related campaigns and events to raise awareness of key issues. Furthermore, it also includes assisting any other Sabbatical officer, especially the Societies, Postgraduate and International Officer in his / her campaigns and events. Lastly, it involves liaising with other officers and society members at University level, and with the representatives of other universities and NUS officers at national level, to keep abreast of recent developments within this area.
What do you think the job demands in terms of personal attributes or skills?
One needs to be very organised, communicative, confident and good at managing meetings and events. Also, as I always say, cheerfulness and a positive attitude help to do the job!
What do you enjoy most about the job?
The responsibility that comes with it is the first part. Secondly, working hand -n-hand with the other Executive officers on campaigns and events is also very rewarding, especially when we all have a common goal: to cater to the needs of all Cardiff University students.
What are the challenges / obstacles you face?
Challenges have mainly been balancing this job with my course and deadlines etc. Otherwise, the path is clear!
What have you achieved since coming into your position?
Since coming into my position, I have helped Sally Airey (SPI Officer) run the International Student Committee - a forum for all international students. Moreover, I have attended two NUS conferences on international students and integration and on black students and racism. I have also ensured that the Union's procedures for a case of racial attack / abuse / discrimination are intact and up-to-date. Lastly, I have been liaising with students and societies over issues that have come to light over unfair treatment.
What's next?
I have been assisting Sally Airey (SPI Officer) with ‘GO GLOBAL' - a festival of culture and diversity, that will run from the 18th February to the 2nd March - for some time now and will continue to do so until its successful and effective completion. In addition to this, I am organising a ‘Go Global Football World cup 2008' - a 5-a-side football tournament which will be taking place during this festival. Lastly, I will also be organising a ‘Racism, Safety and Bullying' campaign with Lydia James (Health and Welfare Support Officer) and Jo Plummer ( Education and Welfare Officer) aimed at creating a general awareness amongst Cardiff University students of such indespicable behavior and informing them of the support available to them.
Would you recommend your role? If so - why?
Yes, I would recommend my role, as racial integration is a key issue in a place like Cardiff University that fosters for students from at least 30 different nationalities. Integration and respect for different cultures are the motifs of a well-founded society. This role seeks to promote this integration and provide a forum for the breaking of barriers that may or do exist between the different cultures.
