Introducing myself:
Hello,
My name is Anuj and I'd really like to be the next GSU Officer.
As a first-year international undergraduate student at the University of Greenwich, I've witnessed and experienced personally how difficult it can be to fit in as an international student. I believe that there is much more that can be done to provide support for students who live thousands of miles away from home.
If you are more local, you might be living away from home for the first time.
Nobody should feel alone; just because you didn't grow up here doesn't mean you don't have a presence.
I've had to deal with a variety of issues and worries such as being stressed and clueless about various unfamiliar situations. Being without my previous friends, it was tough for me to adjust to university life. I want to be there to assist and collaborate with each student to help them make the most of their academic year.
I am also interested in environmental protection and spreading awareness on sustainability with our fellow students. Coming from India, I have been brought up with recycling values. In our house, we try and reuse almost everything we can. Today, protecting the environment is a global problem and I want to work towards living in a better world.
Intercultural activities:
I previously was active in volunteerism for helping people in my country and I want to do more here. I decided to conduct more social engagements for students to help them build an international network when they arrive. I will bring together the activities of several cultural societies to create a more integrated international environment, as well as promote cultural awareness and celebrate racial diversity by conducting more culture-specific and multicultural events.
Agenda :
Before Freshers week, I will create a standardised system for organising freshers' gatherings across our campuses. This will allow local and international newcomers to get to know one another, adapt to the new culture, and build an international community. This will have the goal of enabling them to settle into university life and assisting one another with academic work. I am also going to start a support network for overseas students, where senior students can help newcomers to practically adapt to British society, culture and institutions. In terms of sustainable living on campus, I will organise online and offline gatherings to make sure students find it easier to adapt living in the UK.
Sustainable activities:
I will work with the EcoTeam to organise educational and entertaining events based on sustainable living. As international students will be living in student accommodation, I want to make use of the Avery Hill services of growing your own vegetables which can be shared between students. This can build strong sustainable relationships with our environment and our peers.
I believe :
Unity is strength… when there is teamwork and collaboration, incredible things can be achieved.