Helo! My name is Morgan Lewis but everyone knows me as Moc, I’m 21 and I studied Geography here at Aberystwyth. I’m originally from Lampeter, West Wales and the place is still a big part of my life today, especially with me still playing rugby for the Town.
I ran for this position because I implemented quite a bit of change as President of the Geltaidd last year that would work well for UMCA and the wider university. I also want to ensure the students here at Aber enjoy their time here as much as I did. My main focus this year obviously is ensuring that Pantycelyn is utilised properly and it becomes the heart of Welsh culture here at Aber once again, like it once was.
Tell us an interesting or random fact about yourself...
I have never drunk a cup of tea or coffee in my life, even though it enrages quite a lot of people. I’ve never been tempted to try it and probably won’t ever try it. I’d much rather a Ribena.
Choose three words that best describe you.
Confident, motivated and fun. (this cringed me more than it should)
It’s your last meal on earth…what’s on the menu?
I love Mexican food, so my last meal would need to be spicy. Nachos, burritos, enchiladas etc would go down a treat.
Do you have any hobbies or interests?
I’ve been playing rugby since i was 7 years old and still play for my hometown team. So most of my weekends are spent on the team bus travelling to rugby games. Rugby and being part of a rugby team has shaped who I am. And an interesting fact about me and rugby: I love playing rugby, but I don’t really enjoy watching it. I’d watch it with my mates during the Six Nations or World Cup, but I’d much rather play than watch. I also play 3 musical instruments, mostly to annoy my family and housemates but i do enjoy playing during my spare time.
Why did you choose to stand for this role?
I chose to stand for this role because I owe a lot to past UMCA presidents for making my time here at Aber as thrilling as it’s been. So I believe I owe it to myself and to the UMCA members to lead them and be their voice in the wider University, while also ensuring another fun year within UMCA. Welsh culture and the language is also very close to my heart, and I’ve got a lot of ideas I’d like to implement during the upcoming year to try and spread my love for Wales across the campus.
What are you looking forward to this year?
When I came to Aber in 2017, the Pantycelyn hall had already closed, so I just missed out on a lot. So I’m excited to re-introduce Pantycelyn to students, while also ensuring its success. I’m as excited as anyone for its reopening and can’t wait to move UMCA back into Panty.
What is your favourite Aberystwyth hangout?
My favourite Aberystwyth hangout is the ‘Hen Lew Du’. It has a strong Welsh presence there, a great atmosphere during rugby games and football games, and has always welcomed UMCA. The food is also to die for, so you can see why I’ve spent a rather large chunk of my time here at Aber within it’s walls.
If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?
I used to be obssessed with the ‘Jumper’ books as a teenager so i’d love to be able to teleport. I get bored of places quite easily, so I’d love to just be able to teleport anywhere I want whenever I want.
Name a favourite place you have visited and why.
One of my favourite places I that I have visited would be Trevelin, Patagonia. I had the pleasure of visiting there back in 2016 for a month, and I loved every second of it. The thought that people speak Welsh on the other side of the world has always amazed me, and it did not disappoint. With the people being so welcoming, the scenery being so beautiful, and the food being so nice, it quickly became one of my favourite places. I’ll definitely be going back to Patagonia for another Eisteddfod in the near future. More locally, my favourite place is Cwmann rugby field near Lampeter. Many fun nights have been spent there with my mates playing rugby and catching up.