Hi, I’m Wojtek (since I joined Aber SU people call me ‘Woj’), and I’m your Opportunities Officer.
I came to Aberystwyth from Warsaw, Poland and finished Film & Television Studies Undergraduate a year ago. I was elected for Opportunities Officer role for the year 2019/20 and have been re-elected for the upcoming academic year 2020/21.
I ran for this role because I am passionate about the University experience outside the lecture rooms. I was the president of the Kickboxing Club and as a part of a few other student groups, I recognised that having a hobby, a group of friends with mutual interest or just a space to go to after classes, gives a great deal of happiness and joy and enriches student life in Aberystwyth. Not having this kind of thing back in Poland, I decided to work for the Aber SU to develop and create clubs, societies and organise events, which hopefully will bring our students a little closer.
My main focus this year will be to provide help to student groups and organise all of the events which we will be able to put on, as well as making sure no student is left behind without a group of friends to spend time with. No one should be left behind.
Tell us an interesting or random fact about yourself...
When I was 11 I fainted in the church and was hospitalised for 5 days following a concussion. Church flooring was quite hard, as you might expect it to be...
Choose three words that best describe you.
A rolling stone.
It’s your last meal on earth…what’s on the menu?
Even though I have recently changed to plant-based diet, it is still sushi… What more can I say… I just love sushi.
Obviously without any non-vegan ingredients ;)
Do you have any hobbies or interests?
I love sports of any kind, spending most of my active time with kickboxing, yoga and running.
My passion for creative arts leaves me writing stories and poems every day, with dreams of producing movies and publishing books at the back of my head. I like to longboard, chill on the beach, dance to some house music and love reading books, which I find amazingly powerful as a tool to learn.
I meditate often, paint sporadically and will definitely find a reason to go out whenever I can.
Through my passion for travel and foreign languages I actively learn Spanish, Russian and visit new countries every year.
Why did you choose to stand for this role?
I chose this role because it fits with my interests. I am a people person, a sociable animal so to speak and find myself comfortable in organising time for others. I love to party and am passionate about sports and activities outside the lecture room. Given the chance to develop student groups, organise the best events of Aber University and make sure everyone finds a bunch of friends for themselves I couldn’t turn it down. Also I love wearing joggers and that’s not something a president would be accepted wearing on their official meetings, is it…?
What are you looking forward to this year?
I can’t wait for the time when all of the events, which we are putting on each year are allowed to be organised, especially Aber Challenge (a baby of mine) and Superteams, which is definitely one of the best events I have ever participated in.
More broadly I just can’t wait to see our student groups coming together and spending some time without all the Covid-19 fuss.
Also would be great to have a dance at some point ;)
What are some causes you care about?
I care about equality, diversity and wellbeing (both physical and mental) of all students.
I want to see Aberystwyth students be okay with each other, however they are, and will do my best in providing a safe, free of negativity space for all.
I cannot stress how much exercising and healthy eating has improved my life; and with meditation and yoga added on top this is a recipe for a better, richer and most probably longer life.
Knowing how much student groups have influenced my student time in Aber, I want to make sure everyone finds or creates their group of friends with mutual interest.
I believe that through non-judgement, acceptance and respect to one another, the world can be truly a great place to live in. And the change starts from us. Always.
What is your favourite Aberystwyth hangout?
Definitely the Penglais woods path as well as the beach, because who doesn’t like the beach…
If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?
Making villains laugh until they burst with my rather random jokes and overly far-fetched imagination ideas.
Name a favourite place you have visited and why.
Amsterdam for its amazing freedom of expression and acceptance to all. There is no other way to describe a place of such liberality and tolerance.