President (Student Life)

I'm Tilly Knight, 3rd year at Christchurch and the current President of women's hockey. I am applying to be a candidate for the President of Student Life role because I am passionate about ensuring that every student gets a supported, inclusive and all-round amazing university experience. As the president of women’s hockey, a member of netball and a member of the executive committee, I’ve experienced first-hand how clubs and societies create a sense of belonging at university. I would love the opportunity to aid in making everyone's university experience just as special as mine has been!

If elected, my priorities are to ensure that all students feel supported and are gaining as much as possible from their participation - whether this is as part of a committee or as a member. I will run campaigns to highlight and address barriers to participation, making sure that every aspect of university life is accessible to all students. Students’ voices are incredibly important when it comes decisions being made so I would ensure to gain feedback and incorporate this insight into the decisions I make. Students’ voices are incredibly important when it comes to decision-making, so I will actively seek feedback and use it to guide and inform the choices I make. Transparency is also something I value highly, and I will prioritise open communication by encouraging honest conversations and being visible and approachable within the role. Finally, I want to focus on unifying our student community by strengthening communication and collaboration between sports clubs, societies, and student groups — helping everyone feel part of something bigger.

I believe I would be a great fit for the Student Leader role because I am approachable, passionate, and organised, with a strong focus on finding solutions and supporting others. My experience as President this year and Captain last year has taught me the importance of creating an environment in which everyone feels valued and each individual voice heard. These roles have strengthened my leadership, communication, and teamwork skills, as well as my ability to bring people together toward shared goals. Working on the Executive Committee has also given me valuable insight into how the Students’ Union operates and the opportunity to collaborate with other committee members to represent the student voice. I truly enjoy bringing people together and fostering a sense of community, and I believe that my experience and enthusiasm would allow me to make a real, positive impact as a Student Leader.