Although it’s the end of a year and more for me of being part of UMCA, it’s very hard to look back on that period with sadness. More than anything, I feel fortunate to have been UMCA president over the last year and fortunate also to have had the experiences I’ve had during that.
Like every year, the inter-college events were some of my highlights, be that through welcoming student from Wales and beyond to Aberystwyth in the Dance, to raising the inter-college trophy after a long weekend in the Eisteddfod in March. Beyond that, I had so many rewarding experiences travelling across Wales and further, from the very first conference in Bangor in July last year, to the conference AMLÉ in Cork with my co-presidents and then the end of year NUS Cymru celebration in Cardiff where Undeb Aberystwyth managed to win Union of the Year.
On top of that, I’m proud of the opportunity to have implemented permanent changes through the constitutional work of drafting an UMCA official by-law, the first official document that UMCA has, the hope being that this beginning work shall set firm foundations for a fruitful mutual relationship between UMCA and the Undeb for years to come.
It was also a privilege to mark ten years since the campaign to Save Pantycelyn, the art piece featuring original poetry for the halls by Mererid, Eurig, Hywel and myself. I’m very grateful to the Accommodation Department staff for all their work ensuring that the pieces were placed on the hall’s walls, including their support over the wider year.
I would like to also extend thanks to those from the Undeb and the University who have worked with me over the past year. After moving from being a student to a member of staff, perspectives change and my eyes were opened over the last year to the hard work and commitment that’s to be found behind the scenes for Welsh, our university, and the Aberystwyth community.
I would like especially to thank my four co-officers – Millie, Espe, Ffion and Tanaka – who have been supportive over the last year and it’s been a privilege to get to know you and see your hard work for Aber students bear fruit.
My greatest thanks go to the UMCA Committee and our members. Your contribution to our events, campaigns, and of course, success in the Inter-College Eisteddfod have been key and my time as President has been a pleasure in your company.
The experiences of the previous year were proof to me how precious the unique experience of Aber’s Welsh students is. From the lecture room to Pantycelyn, for the playing field to the town’s pubs, the Welsh language is forever alive in the mouths of our students and under the threats that our higher education section face, it’s key that we continue to maintain and support Welsh speaking student communities across Wales as they are, in my opinion, a crucial part of the language’s existence today. My hope is that I have been able to contribute somewhat to that unique experience that has played a formative part of my life over the last four years.
This is an end of an era for me, but I look forward to seeing new faces in charge. I wish all the best to Gwenno, all the new committee and UMCA members over the next year and more.
Long live UMCA,
Nanw xoxo