Interview with Vice President Sophie McKay
We caught up with Vice President Sophie McKay to find out about her experience as an elected student officer and get some tips for this year's candidates!
Sophie studied Children’s Nursing at Middlesex, and works part-time as a nurse alongside her work at MDXSU. Sophie currently represents the schools of Health and Education and Science and Technology, and is also responsible for Employability, Volunteering, Welfare and RAG!
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What involvement did you have with the Students’ Union before running? I was President of RAG and a student voice leader before running in the elections and I loved being involved in different society events! If you are a part of a club, society, media or a SVL it will help you understand more about the SU as you will have networked with other people involved in the SU, but I don't think it matters too much. If you campaign really hard and have a great manifesto you'll do great.
What made you decide to run? It was a challenge so I had to! Someone said I'd be good so I nominated myself.
How was your campaign experience and what’s your biggest tip? It was a whirlwind of emotions – it was exciting, incredible and tiring!! It was amazing to meet the other candidates which sounds strange to say, but you all form into a support network for the week. The biggest thing I remember thinking was even if I don't win, this week has been amazing and I've met some great people through it!
My biggest tips would be talk to as many people as you can, stick to the rules and use up all your energy that week because it's totally worth it. If you get a day when you're lacking in confidence and you feel like you might just give up... Don't!! Go get a hot chocolate and talk to some good friends then get back to it, because you can do it!!
What has been your favourite thing about the past 2 years? Being a part of MDXSU, getting opportunities I could never have dreamed of and having the chance to help MDX students. You guys rock!
What have you found the hardest? Loving my job so much that I would want to do every project, when more often than not you won't have time to do all the projects you want to. So taking on too much and being too tired to function!
What has been the most unexpected bonus of being an elected officer? The support from full time staff, I never knew how amazingly supportive one work team could be.
Is there anything you have done which you would change? Not a thing – it has been an incredible experience!
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What makes your position special? If you hadn't run for your position, what would you have run for? Being the Vice President of Health & Education, Science & Technology is the best position - you get to support future nurses, midwifes, social workers, vet nurses, psychologists, counsellors, herbal medics, teachers, translators, technicians, engineers, sport coaches, physiotherapists, biomedical scientists and doctors. Basically supporting the students who will make the world go round!! HEST has the biggest portfolio but it was a pleasure supporting and representing you all! I would have only run for VP HEST.
What has been your biggest change or win? In my first year as an elected student officer I campaigned and got us water fountains in the library. Before that you couldn’t access drinking water throughout the night! I also set up the soup kitchen volunteering opportunity, and started recognising outstanding students with the MDX award!
What would you say to anyone who is undecided about whether to run for a position this year? I'd just tell you the advice my dad gave to me, which was that this position is such an amazing opportunity and you shouldn't be worried about if you will or won't get it, because the role isn't promised to anyone. Just put your name down for it, work as hard as you can for it, then let lady luck decide.
What are you planning to do next? I am going to become a full time paediatric nurse in London, save up some money and go traveling and explore the world. One day I hope to work abroad with the British Red Cross or Médecins Sans Frontières. Maybe one day I'll teach nursing because I love students so much! |
