Finally, this week is Rhys Dart who was elected Campaigns, Communications and Equal Opportunities Officer in 2001-02 and want on to become President in 2002-03. Rhys is currently Chief Executive at Trinity St David’s Students’ Union.
Finally, this week is Rhys Dart who was elected Campaigns, Communications and Equal Opportunities Officer in 2001-02 and want on to become President in 2002-03. Rhys is currently Chief Executive at Trinity St David’s Students’ Union.
Why did you choose those roles?
I’d got involved in the Students’ Union through Bay Radio and sat on the Exec as Station Manager. I thought I could contribute and improve the SU, make it more accessible and open-up its decision making to the student body. I ran for President a year later because I felt that the Students’ Union needed some continuity in leadership given some of the challenges (finances, governance, influence).
What is your favourite memory from standing in the elections?
Just going out and talking to people about their experiences and finding out how much people cared about Aber.
What is your favourite memory as a Full-time Officer?
The big events, Superteams, Rugby 7s and the May Ball – seeing the energy from students coming together and enjoying themselves.
What do you think you learnt from standing in the elections and becoming a Full-time Officer?
I learnt loads, without having been a Full-time Officer I wouldn’t have had any of the jobs I’ve filled in the last 13 years! I learnt to appreciate other people’s opinions and experiences, to balance competing interests, and saw first-hand the transformative power of education and its effect on individuals, familites and communities.
What advice do you have for anyone thinking of standing in the elections?
Do it, but do it fully committed! Talk to everyone, listen to everyone and work had. In my experience the hardest workers always get elected. Put yourself out there and don’t be afraid to have ideas, and accept that they will be challenged.
If you could go back would you do it all again? If not what would you do differently?
I would do it all again, I love being an officer. As for doing things differently, I’d be braver about standing on a platform of ideas. It’s not about being the manager of a Students’ Union; it’s about being a community leader. If I had my time again I’d focus far more on challenging the University to do better, on bringing students together to do things and far less on how much money the SU has and how successful our commercial services were.
If you could sum up your experiences in five words what would they be?
Exciting, Transformative, Responsibility, Creative, Fun