Being an introvert, I never thought I'd end up running for a Student Officer role in the Queen’s Students' Union (SU) election. I often felt more comfortable observing from the sidelines than being in the thick of the action, and I also thought I would struggle with balancing my academics, extracurriculars, and this unexpected campaign.

Yet, after speaking with Deirdre from the careers team, the SU Voice team, and my supportive friends, I decided to take a leap of faith and nominated myself. It was a decision that didn’t come easily, but it turned out to be a transformative experience of my university life. 

The guiding team

Running for a position like this might feel intimidating at first, but there’s a strong support system and a structured process to help candidates navigate the journey. Reading the role descriptions carefully helped me choose a position I truly related to, rather than one that just seemed glamorous or important. This made all the difference in aligning my campaign with my personal values and passions, and I quickly learned that you'll figure things out as you go along.

Crafting the Manifesto

Writing my manifesto was an eye-opening experience. It made me reflect deeply on what mattered most to me, and I realised how passionate I was about mental health awareness. It’s disheartening that not everyone knows about the excellent support resources our university offers. Drafting the manifesto allowed me to channel this passion and articulate my desire to make a difference.

In the lead-up to the voting period, I participated in several workshops on effective campaigning, content creation, public speaking, and team building. These sessions were invaluable, boosting my confidence and equipping me with skills that went beyond the campaign itself. I learned so much more about the issues faced by my fellow students, many of which I hadn’t been aware of before. The interactions during this time gave me a broader perspective on life at Queen's and the dynamics of the QSU.

Lessons from the Campaign Trail

If I could turn back time, I would have gotten involved earlier, perhaps as a course or faculty representative. At the start of the year, I thought these roles would be too time-consuming, but in hindsight, they would have provided valuable insights into the workings of the student council and university governance.

Throughout the campaign, I collaborated closely with my team, brainstorming ideas and refining our strategy. This teamwork was crucial, bringing out stronger points for my manifesto than I could have ever developed on my own. As voting began, there was a palpable buzz around campus. It was exciting but also a reminder to stay calm and mindful. Campaigning can be stressful, so it’s essential to get enough rest, respect others' personal space, and not get carried away.

Ultimately, it’s not just about winning but about making an impact and enjoying the journey.

Learning from Others

I met some incredible people during the campaign, including several inspiring candidates. One competitor, in particular, gave me vital lessons and left a lasting impression. Her clarity of thought is remarkable. She was unhinged by all that was happening around her and completely focused on her campaign and believed in it. Her campaign was so compelling that if not for my hardworking team, I might have voted for her myself! I have watched the positive change she has brought around and is continuing to and I wish her all the best for all the amazing work she will do for the QSU in the upcoming months.

Embracing the Outcome

Here’s a glimpse into the exciting results event the SU hosted, where all candidates were given a chance to thank their teams irrespective of the result:

Accepting failure was challenging for me in the past. I used to avoid opportunities unless I was absolutely sure of success. This might sound clichéd, but running in the result of the SU election did not seem like a failure in any way to me or my team. I realised I wasn’t quite ready to be a leader yet, but this experience helped me take steps in that direction. I gained invaluable experiences, had a lot of fun, and experienced significant personal growth. It improved my marketing and public speaking skills and helped me realise my strengths in creativity and resilience.

I also want to express my gratitude to the SU Marketing team and Damien, Anna, and Emma from SU Voice for their support and for making this journey memorable.

I want to finish with a popular Irish saying that has profoundly influenced my outlook: "What’s yours won’t pass you." I initially hesitated about running, but now I understand that this experience was meant to be part of my journey. To anyone considering running for a Student Officer role: go for it! It might seem daunting, but you’ll never know what you’re capable of until you try. Whether you win or lose, the journey is worth it!!

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Sai Sree Kurra MSc Management | Postgraduate Student | India Hello fellow students and passionate readers!! I'm an enthusiastic cinephile, cynophile and bibliophile. Watching and occasionally participating in sports gives me immense joy, with cricket being my favourite. I am extremely passionate and devoted to mental health awareness. Volunteering for significant causes makes my heart feel full. Coming to my professional background, I'm an ambitious student pursuing a Master's in Management. Former perfectionist, now striving to balance ambition and passion with compassion and self care. My professional interests include Leadership, Marketing, Strategy, and Business Consulting. As a lifelong learner, I constantly seek opportunities for learning and development and love to challenge myself.