Posted on Fri 21 Jul 2023 at 15:27 by
David Lam Hello everyone!
What a crazy first six weeks we’ve had! It’s included my first board of trustees meeting, two weeks of handover, open days, featuring in a TikTok, axe throwing, photoshoots, BBQs, conferences, graduations and a couple of rainy days.
This past week alone has involved meeting shadow ministers, princes and a freaking astronaut! A bit random I know, but definitely one of the cooler perks of the job.
As an officer team, we met Shadow Minister for Higher Education Matt Western and spoke to him about pressing student issues such as housing, the cost-of-living crisis and maintenance loans. I even managed to get him in my BeReal for the day, which he said he would forever remember!
Whilst doing graduations for the university I had the chance to meet actual royalty (SPOILER ALERT)- it was PRINCE EDWARD. Unfortunately, I don’t think he would have wanted to be in my BeReal.
On the same day I also met Colonel Anne McClain! She’s a super cool astronaut who was our guest speaker for the day. I even managed to get a picture with her- I fanboyed so hard in front of her she must’ve thought I was such a weirdo (be right back, crying right now because of how cringey I was).
Amber and I attended the EUAC Sustainability Conference, where we learnt about all the things universities could be doing to help save the planet. A highlight for me was meeting Robin Landman, OBE of the Black Leadership Group, who gave a talk on justice and sustainability. I then spoke with him and now we are LinkedIn besties. On top of this I networked with the delegates from De Montfort University and found a new friendship with Mark Hopkins, the sustainability coordinator there. Overall a really productive and enjoyable event, even if it did mean I missed out SU Summer Fun Day with the rest of the gang ?.
In terms of more normal sort of work, I’ve been doing loads of behind the scenes work with the SU, preparing for all the new committees coming in August 1st and making sure everything is ready for them. There are also plans for new events- watch out for those because they’re going to be great!
I’ll catch up with you again in a few weeks, but feel free to reach out via email at suactivities@bath.ac.uk if there’s anything you’d like to chat about!
Speak soon,
David