Candidate for the position of Union President

Image for Yasar Ozbalci

Yasar Ozbalci

Why do you want to apply for an Officer position?

Hello fellow CCCU students,

As I stand at the threshold of completing my journey at CCCU, I find myself reflecting on the path that has led me here, filled with gratitude and a strong sense of accomplishment. My time at our university has been deeply enriched by my roles as a Course Representative, School Rep for the Business School, and Mental Health Awareness Officer for the Student's Union. These positions have not only been a privilege but also a profound learning experience, allowing me to serve as a steadfast advocate for our student body.

I am applying for an Officer position because I believe in the transformative power of student leadership in creating a supportive, inclusive, and vibrant university environment. My experiences have shown me the importance of standing together in the face of challenges and the impact of collective action in driving meaningful change. I am driven by a commitment to ensure that no student feels isolated or powerless, and I am dedicated to amplifying your voices, addressing your concerns, and championing your well-being.

As a mature student, I bring a unique perspective to the table. I am outspoken and possess an unwavering commitment to the collective success and happiness of our community. My journey has been marked by the joy of building bonds of friendship and solidarity, affirming the value of compassion, understanding, and shared purpose. I am applying to be your President because I am not one to sit idly by in the face of injustice or when the well-being of our student community is at stake. Inspired by the adage, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing," I am committed to taking action, advocating for our rights, and working tirelessly to make CCCU a better place for all of us.

I believe in the power of student leadership to create positive change, and if elected, I pledge to continue this journey with integrity, courage, and an open heart. I am both a dreamer and a realist. I do not claim to walk on water, or see myself better than any of you, and I may not be able to solve every problem; but I give you my word and promise to face every challenge with determination and a genuine desire to improve our lives. Together, we can build a community that uplifts and supports every member.

I am honoured to stand for election and humbly ask for your vote, not just for what I plan to do, but for who I am: a committed advocate who will strive tirelessly on your behalf.

Thank you for considering me as your next Union President.

What are your priorities?

If elected as Union President, my priorities will be shaped by the immediate and long-term needs of our student body, focusing on enhancing student engagement, financial literacy, career preparation, life skills development, academic support, and promoting sustainability.

Engaging Clubs and Societies: Recognizing the vital role of clubs and societies in fostering a vibrant campus life, I aim to increase participation and awareness by simplifying the process of joining, creating, and sustaining these groups. By organizing more activities and providing robust support, we can ensure a rich, diverse social landscape that reflects our student body's varied interests.

Streamlining Communication for Engagement: A key initiative will be to improve the ease of communication across clubs, societies, the Student’s Union, and between student representatives and university bodies. This means facilitating seamless interaction between clubs and societies to aid in event organization and increase participation. By providing each society and representative with dedicated contact channels, such as email addresses, and access to a directory of other groups and reps, we will foster a more collaborative and vibrant campus culture. This will also help the representatives organise themselves and co-operate, allowing the student’s voices to be heard and concerns to be resolved more efficiently.

Financial Literacy Programs: Financial education is crucial for independence and success, regardless of your industry. I plan to introduce comprehensive financial literacy programs covering budgeting, understanding taxes, and navigating bank accounts. These programs will empower students to manage their finances confidently, an essential skill in today’s economy!

Career Preparation: Career readiness is more than academic achievement; it's about real-world skills. I propose organizing career fairs, professional development workshops, and networking events in collaboration with alumni and local businesses. These initiatives will bridge the gap between university education and the professional world, ensuring our graduates are well-equipped to enter the job market.

Life Skill Sessions: I will advocate for regular Life-Skill activities added to the students’ arsenal that will offer practical hands-on knowledge that every student can benefit from. Ranging from every-day skills such as cooking basics like making bread from scratch, to changing a flat tire. These optional and free sessions will be about preparing our students for life beyond the classroom, teaching them invaluable skills that aren’t covered in traditional academic curricula.

Improving Academic Support: Strengthening academic support mechanisms is critical. I will work to increase the availability of academic resources, enhance feedback mechanisms, and bolster peer tutoring programs. These efforts aim to ensure that every student has the support they need to succeed academically.

Promoting Sustainability: Environmental responsibility is a collective duty. I am committed to leading and supporting environmental initiatives, including campus clean-ups, sustainability workshops, and green living campaigns. These actions will foster a campus culture that values and practices sustainability, contributing to a healthier planet for future generations.

Together, these priorities will form the cornerstone of my tenure, aimed at enriching our university experience, preparing us for the future, and ensuring we leave a positive impact on our world. I will also be ready to take on any challenge that is brought to my attention, and I am dedicated to making CCCU a place where every student can thrive, find support, and achieve their fullest potential.

What skills and experience do you have that would make you a good Officer?

Leadership and Resilience: Leading by example, I've navigated financial, academic, and personal challenges, emerging stronger and more committed to making a difference. My resilience fuels my leadership, enabling me to guide others through adversity with empathy and a clear direction.

Innovation and Problem-Solving: I thrive on creativity, consistently seeking innovative solutions to enhance student life. Whether it’s developing new platforms for student engagement or streamlining communication processes, my focus is on practical, impactful outcomes.

Engagement and Communication: My ability to connect and communicate has been instrumental in building strong relationships across the campus. I prioritize open, transparent dialogue and actively seek student input to ensure our actions reflect the collective voice.

Conflict Management and Negotiation: Handling disagreements with diplomacy, I strive to find common ground, turning potential conflicts into opportunities for collaboration and understanding.

Motivation and Flexibility: I inspire those around me to strive for their best, adapting strategies as needed to meet our community's evolving needs. My positive attitude and flexible approach encourage a dynamic, inclusive environment where all students feel valued.

Integrity and Relationship Building: Fundamental to my candidacy is a deep-seated integrity and a commitment to fostering lasting relationships. These bonds are the foundation of a cohesive, supportive student body, united in our pursuit of a better CCCU.