And just like that, the last month as officers is upon us... 

This past fortnight has been madness: 

• We spent four days up in the North visiting Sheffield, York, Salford, Manchester Metropolitan, and University of Manchester’s Students’ Unions. We learned loads from all the visits – especially around using spaces for students, empowering different groups and societies to run more effectively and without so much policing, and representation systems within the unions. On the next couple weeks, the officer team will get together and put a presentation and action plan on all the lessons so they’re all picked up either by incoming officers or SU staff, and so we can present to the university what is done well in other places.  

• That same Sunday (11 May), I ran my first Half Marathon in Bristol! It was honestly, the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But I’m really happy I did it and I’ve actually already signed up for the waiting list for the Manchester Half in October (so another win from the trip – I found out about a next race I want to be part of). Big shout out to my friends, including other officers, came to Bristol to support me and then buy me infinite pints in celebration. Here’s a photo of the support crew. I hope you enjoy their signs as much as I did! 

• We decided to set up the ‘State of the Union’ for the first time. This is a new yearly event where the president summarises the year around one specific theme or something they hope will continued to be worked on past their time. Though the organising has been going on in the past two weeks, the actual event is on the morning of June 4. Keep an eye on the website for more info. I will submit the speech as a blog post in case you want to see it.  

• I got to attend a Royal Garden Party! The Royal Family organised a party to celebrate those working in education and skills, and the university, very kindly, submitted my name to the list of potential guests. It was obviously approved, and I brought Amber as my guest. It was the most surreal afternoon of my life, but a great one to add to my ‘two truths, one lie’ repertoire: I shook the king’s hand! A photo of Amber and I at the Garden party below.  

On the next blog post, I’ll give you the speech of the State of the Union. But, after that, we only have one blog left together! There, I’ll give you an update on officer handover and address some of the concerns you might have about the handover period or projects that you’d like to see continued. So, if you have anything you’d want me to add, please send me an email or comment on this post.  

Before I start crying, I’ll say goodbye. See you on the other side of handover – and summer ball! In the meantime, stay tanned and be kind to one another. 

Much love, 

Jiji x 

Bristol Half support crew:

Royal Garden Party: