Diary of an Education Officer
Entry 01
23 July 2025
 

Soo… somehow, it’s already been one month since I officially started as your SU Education Officer – it's flown by, which is wild considering how much has happened! We kicked things off with a two-week handover (chaotic, slightly overwhelming, but genuinely lovely), and then I fully stepped into the role on the 23rd of June. Since then, it’s been non-stop!

Handover was a whirlwind – but in the best possible way. I’ve had the chance to meet so many brilliant people across the SU and university, and it’s been fascinating to learn about everything they’re working on. There's been a lot to take in – and a lot of acronyms to memorise (seriously… why are there so many?) – but the energy has been great, and I’ve come away feeling really excited for what’s ahead. Hugest of thanks to the lovely Amber, who prepped me so well and made sure I felt genuinely supported every step of the way. Starting something like this can feel like jumping into the deep end, but all the SU staff have made it feel like I always have someone in my corner, and I truly feel so welcomed.

The last few weeks have been filled with that weirdly surreal feeling of doing things you never imagined yourself doing, and realising – oh wait, I can do this!

Like speaking at graduation ceremonies (!!). As someone who’s still very new to public speaking, standing on stage and addressing literally hundreds of people felt terrifying, kind of insane, but also ridiculously special. I got to speak at two ceremonies – including my beloved Social & Policy Sciences pookies – and attended a few others too! Honestly? I nearly cried every time. The buzz, the joy, the sheer relief on everyone’s faces – it was such a privilege to be part of it.

I also attended my first University Council meeting with Benji. A space where major decisions about the university are made, and being in that room means wearing a different hat – thinking long-term, and critically. It’s a big responsibility, but also an opportunity to help shape the bigger picture of where we’re heading as a university.

Something I’ve been reflecting on over the past month is how much of this role happens behind the scenes – especially over summer, when there aren’t as many students around. From the outside, it might seem like it’s all meetings and formalities (and don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of those), but there’s also so much learning, planning, and thinking that goes on quietly in the background. Even without the day-to-day student buzz, I’ve already seen how much of this job is about holding onto the bigger picture while keeping student experience at the heart of it all. And doing it alongside such a beautifully passionate officer team? What a treat!

So, what’s next? Honestly… A lot. This is only the beginning, and there’s so much great work already underway for the next academic year. The officer team are currently figuring out our “top ten” key priorities for the year, which is super exciting stuff! More to come on that soon…

I want to keep sharing the journey – not just the polished wins, but the messy bits too. Because this role is about you. Your voices, your experiences, your weirdly niche course complaints, and your brilliant ideas – I want to hear all of it.

If there’s something on your mind, or you’re curious about how to get involved, come find me! My inbox is open, and over the next year I’ll often be wandering around campus looking overly caffeinated on tea :)


With love,
Helen xoxo