Shwmae! I am Ashly, your VP Heath Park this year. I was born in Barcelona, but my heritage is Latin American. I moved to the UK a few years ago and I have been living in Reading, where I completed my A-levels. Before I joined university, I volunteered in a hospital collecting patient feedback and later went on to work in the wards as a healthcare assistant. When I started university, I felt like I didn’t fit in and didn’t really enjoy it. It took me some time but eventually I put myself out there. Fast forward 3 years, I have made the most amazing memories and friendships. And after a long 4 years, I have finally graduated!
I discovered the Students’ Union in my second year and became part of the Welfare and Wellbeing Exec committee (fancy words for Student Advice volunteer). I learned about student wellbeing, signposting and campaigning. That same year, I joined the Student Voice team as an assistant and worked during Speak Week collecting feedback as well as promoting elections. These experiences led me to run in the 2021 Spring Elections and was elected as the Black and Ethnic Minorities’ Officer.
This past year has been a challenge. Studying alongside being a Campaign Officer and other responsibilities was not easy, yet this has probably been my favourite year in Cardiff, from seeing students returning to campus, working with incredible clubs and societies, and meeting new people.
I decided to run in the elections because I believe that sense of belonging and building communities can greatly impact students, and I wanted to be part of that. As your VP Heath Park Campus my main priorities focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in education, placements and working with the rest of the team to ensure that Heath students have a 10/10 student experience.
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Spaces – Increasing the accessibility of spaces and opening hours.
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Education - working with the education Sabbatical Officers and the University towards developing a more inclusive curriculum and fair opportunities for students.
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Campaigns - Engaging with more students in key campaigns such as Speak Week and collaborating with Campaign Officers.
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Placements - working with the University and students to identify the key issues and improve the placement experience.?
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Wellbeing - Implementing wellbeing initiatives that are suitable for students at the Heath and increasing the visibility of Students’ Union services.?