On the 1st of July 2016, current Birmingham City University Students Union President, Jenny Watkins will be stepping down. This marks the end of Jennys' 5 year career at Birmingham City University, with many highs and a few lows. Jenny reflects back on her five years at a university that she loved and was clearly passionate about.
An important part of running in the elections for Jenny was being able to make a change:
"Originally back in 2014, I ran for the Vice Presidency role which I severed in for a year before running for the Presidency. I ran for it because I wanted to change things. I wanted to make a difference around the university that I had loved for 3 years. I could see a lot of potential in it. Also, the union, while I was a student really, gave me that opportunity to grow as a person. I was really grateful for the way the university made me grow as a person and become more confident."
The election nights were highly emotional evening for Jenny:
"The elections were kind of a love-hate memory for me in that obviously winning both, fortunately, but it's quite an intense period. It was two very hard and emotional weeks. I cried quite a lot kind of in a ball with all my friends around me and holding me.
"When I finally made my way to the stage I couldn't really find the words to explain how I was feeling. It was such a strange emotion with people clapping at you which doesn't normally happen unless you are a performer or something. It was very surreal but also, it was great, especially to know that you are going to have an exciting year ahead."
"The Presidency has been the best job in the world. The skills and experiences that I've had, learnt and being able to change things is just unbelievable."
Jenny studied law at Birmingham City University after initially being accepted onto the course via the clearing process.
Jenny remembers the work and campaigns that the Students Union has done over the course of her tenure:
"With all the campaigns we do, you have to have some kind of personal attachment otherwise, it's never going to be as effective as it should be. You have to care about it".
"In terms of just personal elements, the one I can relate to most is the love SU's campaign. So essentially the government green papers usually attack student’s unions a little bit. As well as attacking many other things. It was really big and is something I felt strong about. Higher education is something that is massively essential in society. But we ran a little side campaign over a couple of days. We went around the campuses and collected videos of students saying why they love their student's union and why they wouldn't want to lose it. I think that was a really good opportunity to see what students think. Usually, they come to me if they need help with something so to hear them say such positive things about the student's union and why they love it almost as much as the staff does, that was really nice".
Looking back on her arrival at Birmingham City University, Jenny reflects on her personal and professional achievements:
"I was a lot more heavily overweight when I first arrived here. I didn't really want to get involved in much stuff. I would have played football but there wasn't really a team. Whereas there is now and that's thriving which is fantastic. They have two squads now which is amazing. In my spare time, I do some quite wacky obstacle races. This includes running through barbed wire and electric fences."
"Jumping over a fire was a particularly fun one, that was a bit warm. All of that kind of stuff I don't think I would have ever signed up for back then. I don't think I would have been brave or fit enough back then. I've just run the 10k for charity recently."
"I also did the half marathon last year and I'll be doing it again this year. I would have never dreamed of being able to do those things. Not because of the fitness element but having the mental strength to finish something like that. I was a quitter but now I'm not."
It has been a journey of personal discovery for Jenny during her time at University:
"When I came to university, I didn't really know who I was. I'd never really fitted in anywhere. Deep down I knew who I was but didn't want to talk about it or say anything. I didn't want to admit to myself who I really was but being at the union, felt like being part of a family. On Aprils fools day last year, I felt safe enough to come out as bi-sexual here. Everyone was so lovely about it, I don't know why I was scared to say it. I would never have been brave enough before without the support system I have here. I would never have been honest with myself about it before. I probably would have just denied it forever and been unhappy. I am who I am now, and if people don't like it,they don't like it."
"On mental health awareness day, I wrote a blog post about some of the struggles I have had in my life and that I was still going through and still do go through today. It was amazing to see students responses given that they go through the same kinds of things. I feel you wouldn't really be representing them if your don't face some of the struggles they do and are relatable"
Jenny reflects on some of her proudest achievements during her time at the Students Union:
"In terms of value, I think getting £100,000 pounds from the university to extend the opening hours of three main buildings and one of our satellite campuses was huge. No one has won that much money for starters which makes me feel proud of myself. But also because students really wanted that, it was something I promised to deliver on and I managed to deliver upon that. In terms of sheer emotion, having the road crossing put up between the Parkside building and Curzon buildings was a relief. This was just because that was 9 months of myself and senior staff at the university arguing with the council constantly about it. The University paid for the crossing 18 months ago and then the council tried to claim they knew nothing about it. It was a long hard struggle mentally. So when it started to be built and arrive I did cry a little bit. To see it standing there was so exciting after having received emails week after week to say it was coming. I walked downstairs one afternoon and then it was there.They had put it up that morning and I couldn't believe it. That was probably my proudest moment."
Jenny outlines the next adventures that await her:
"It sad that my tenure is coming to an end, I would love to stay but after 3 years as a student, and two years as staff I feel ready for something new. Ironically I'm going to become a student again as I start my masters course in law. Then the year after that I'll become a trainee solicitor at a firm that has just hired me, big thank you to them. It's exciting but scary. I could have done this at Birmingham City University but for me I just felt I needed to go somewhere new, 5 years here is a long time. Plus I want to give the new officers coming in a chance to make it their own and have that space to do so. I'll still be in Birmingham so I'll pop in every now and again to say hi to the staff and students when possible. "
Jenny has some words of wisdom for students:
"There is probably some clichés here, but never forget where you've come from. Always remember the day you walked through the doors and university and remember how far you've come from. Get involved as much as possible but also remember to take time for yourself and relax. Stop for a second and do something that you want to do and not what you need to do. These moments will help you."
