SU Postgraduate and International Officer - Mercy

On Black History Month: Identity, Community and Belonging

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 09:51:18 +0100

Reflections on Black History Month, the importance of community, and why belonging must be something we experience, not simply something we are told we have.

Yesterday, we held one of our many planned Black History Month events at The SU Bath, in collaboration with our African Caribbean Society (ACS).

The event, Speed Friending, had a simple purpose: to bring people together, create friendships, and build a sense of belonging within our diverse student community.

This was particularly important as many of our students are still settling into university life, navigating a new environment and trying to find their place within it.

And the conversations were everything!

Some were deep, some were light-hearted, and others were about the most random but surprisingly important things.

For example, why is plantain more expensive in Bath than in London? And why, for some inexplicable reason, is it even more expensive in Cardiff?

I am still waiting for someone to explain this to me!

These might seem like trivial conversations, but I think they matter. Because sometimes, community begins with the simplest things. A shared joke, a familiar experience, a conversation about home, or the discovery that someone else understands your reality.

And that was the idea. To create a space where our students could connect, feel seen, and know that they belong.

Finding community through shared experiences

One of my favourite parts of organising events like this is hearing from students afterwards. Sometimes, what we hope an event will achieve and what students actually take away from it can be quite different. But reading through the feedback from Speed Friending reminded me of why creating these spaces matters.

One student shared:

"I met more beautiful people, and I found someone who is from the same area."

Another said:

"Enjoyed meeting people outside of my course, but also from my ethnicity."

For others, it was an opportunity to have conversations they might not ordinarily have:

"I am grateful for the questions I got to answer regarding my culture. I thought they were very cool."

And another student reflected:

"I found talking to different people interesting since I learnt about history that I had not known about, new foods, and different perspectives on life."

What stood out to me in these reflections was how students valued both familiarity and difference.

Some found people who shared their backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Others discovered new perspectives, learnt about histories they had not previously encountered, or simply enjoyed having conversations beyond their usual friendship groups.

One student captured this particularly well:

"Loved meeting new people and finding folks I have things in common! Also, interesting hearing about people's lived experience."

I think there is something important here. Belonging does not necessarily mean being surrounded only by people who are like us. It can also mean being in spaces where we are comfortable enough to share who we are, curious enough to learn about others, and open enough to recognise the things that connect us.

And sometimes, all it takes is a conversation.

Why Black History Month matters to me

Beyond yesterday's event, I have also been reflecting on why Black History Month matters.

We are all human beings, yes. But our humanity does not erase our histories, our identities, or the different realities we navigate because of them.

There are people who proudly say they do not see colour or race. While I understand that this may come from a desire to see everyone as equal, the reality is that race and colour continue to shape how our societies are structured, how people are perceived, and, sometimes, the opportunities available to them.

I am Mercy. But I am also Black, just as I am Nigerian.

These identities are not separate from who I am. They are part of my story, my ancestry, and the histories that have shaped the world I inhabit today.

To acknowledge my Blackness is not to reduce myself to a racial category. It is to recognise the histories, struggles, resistance, contributions, and possibilities that have shaped the lives of those who came before me and continue to shape our experiences today.

And that, for me, is part of why Black History Month is important.

It is about remembering, celebrating, questioning, and recognising that history is not simply something that happened in the past. Its legacies continue to shape our present.

It is also an opportunity to reflect on the communities we belong to, the spaces we occupy, and what it means to feel seen, heard, and valued within them.

Navigating higher education as a Black person

This year's Black History Month theme is "Honouring Our Communities", and at The SU Bath, we have chosen to explore this through our own focus: "Navigating Higher Education as a Black Person."

I think this is an important conversation to have.

Because while access to higher education matters, so does the experience of being there.

It is not enough to simply enter these spaces. We must also be able to exist, participate, thrive, and belong within them.

For Black students, the experience of navigating higher education can involve finding community, negotiating identity, encountering different cultures, and, at times, confronting assumptions or structures that shape how we experience university life.

Of course, there is no single Black experience. Our identities, backgrounds, cultures, and journeys are different, and these differences matter too.

But I believe there is value in creating spaces where we can share those experiences, celebrate what connects us, learn from our differences, and reflect on what universities can do to become places where everyone genuinely feels they belong.

And this is what we hope to achieve through the different events we have planned throughout Black History Month.

Continuing the conversations and building community

Our Speed Friending event was just one of the ways we are celebrating Black History Month at The SU Bath.

Alongside ACS and our other collaborators, we will continue creating opportunities for students to connect, celebrate their identities, share their experiences, and build community.

On 27 October, we will be collaborating with No Plates Like Home to provide 50 free African meals at Limetree.

I am particularly excited about this event because food is more than just something we eat. It carries memories, cultures, histories, and connections to home.

Sometimes, something as simple as sharing a familiar meal can make a place feel a little more like home. And for those who may be encountering these foods for the first time, it is also an opportunity to experience and appreciate cultures beyond their own.

We will then bring our Black History Month celebrations to a close on 29 October with a Poetry and Spoken Word event, in collaboration with ACS.

This will be an opportunity for students to share their own original pieces or recite works by Black authors that resonate with them.

I am looking forward to this because poetry and spoken word have long been powerful ways of expressing identity, preserving memory, challenging injustice, and imagining different possibilities.

I hope it will be a space where we can listen, reflect, celebrate, and learn from one another.

Want to join us?

You can find details of our upcoming events and information on how to sign up through The SU Whats on Page. We also have a dedicated Black History Month page within What's On, where you can explore the full programme of activities and find out how to get involved. Whether you want to meet new people, share your experiences, enjoy familiar food, explore different cultures, or simply listen and learn, there is something for you.

Because belonging should be experienced

For me, these events are connected by something much bigger than the activities themselves.

They are about recognising that community can be built in different ways. Through conversations, through food, through storytelling, through art, and, perhaps most importantly, through the simple act of showing up for one another.

And while Black History Month gives us an opportunity to celebrate and reflect intentionally, I also believe the conversations about identity, representation, and belonging must continue beyond October.

Because building an inclusive university community is not something we achieve through a month of activities alone. It is something we must continue to work towards in our everyday interactions, practices, and the spaces we create.

Yesterday, we created one of those spaces.

A space for conversations, laughter, connection, and community.

And we will continue to create them.

Because belonging should not simply be something we tell students they have. It should be something they experience.

Happy Black History Month!

The Ultimate Postgraduate Guide

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 16:21:27 +0100

Hello and welcome to the University of Bath from all of us at The Students’ Union!

Starting postgraduate study can feel like a lot. Perhaps you have travelled a long way to come to Bath, with some of you moving from another country. You may miss your friends and family, everything may feel unfamiliar, and you might be worried about adjusting or making new friends.

Let me be the first to reassure you that, although all these feelings are completely valid, you are about to begin a year, or perhaps several years, filled with experiences for the memory book. It may take some time, but you will adjust and make new friends. Being away from home also does not mean that the people you love will stop being part of your life.

There are, however, a few things you can do to make your adjustment to postgraduate life quicker and easier.

1. Make the most of Freshers’ Week

My first tip is to get involved in The SU’s Freshers’ Week. This is when we organise a wide range of events for new students, including departmental mixers, city events, board game sessions, wine tasting and the Freshers’ Fair. You name it, and we are probably doing it!

With around 150 events planned, there should be something for everyone. Attend the events that suit your interests and personality, but also be open to trying something new. These events are a great opportunity to meet other students who, just like you, are looking to make friends and find their place at Bath.

2. Remember that you are not alone

Almost every new student feels the same uncertainty at some point. Even those who appear completely confident may still be wondering whether they will fit in or find their people.

Try to be open and friendly to those around you. Start a conversation with someone in your class, introduce yourself to the person sitting beside you at an event or invite someone for a coffee. Sometimes, one small conversation is all it takes to begin a friendship. You may find that Bath starts to feel like home much sooner than you expected.

3. Join a postgraduate support scheme

Postgraduate students can also benefit from schemes designed to help them settle into university life.

If you are a postgraduate taught student, the PGT Buddy scheme gives you the opportunity to connect with another PGT student and navigate the experience together. It means having someone to talk to who understands what it is like to be a Master’s student at Bath.

For postgraduate research students, the Doctoral Peer Mentor scheme connects you with a current doctoral student. Your mentor can answer questions, share their experiences and support you as you begin your doctoral studies. You do not have to figure everything out by yourself.

4. Ask questions and explore

Bath has so much to offer, and both the University and The SU provide a wide range of services, opportunities and support. However, you may miss out on these if you do not ask questions or explore what is available.

If you are unsure about something, ask. Speak to your department, contact The SU, talk to other students or visit the relevant support service. No question is too small, especially when you are new. The sooner you ask, the sooner you can access the help or information you need.

5. Become a student leader

If you can, consider taking on a student leadership role alongside your studies. It is a brilliant way to develop new skills, gain valuable experience, build your confidence and contribute to the student community.

You could become a Hall Rep, Global Connect Ambassador, Academic Rep, PGT Buddy or Doctoral Rep, among many other opportunities. Try a role that interests you and discover what a fantastic student leader you can be.

6. Find your community

Finally, join the societies and student groups that genuinely interest you. University is about so much more than the degree you leave with. It is also about the communities you become part of, the friendships you build and the experiences you gain along the way.

Give yourself permission to explore, make mistakes, try new things and grow. You do not have to have everything figured out from the beginning.

I am sending you all my best wishes as you experience Bath with new and fresh eyes. Welcome to our community. I hope your postgraduate journey brings you wonderful memories, meaningful friendships and many reasons to call Bath home.

So... I Spoke at Graduation.

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 09:41:44 +0100

Things I definitely didn't expect in my first month as your Postgraduate and International Officer.

When I accepted the role of The Students' Union Postgraduate and International Officer, I knew it would be an incredible opportunity to advocate for postgraduate and international students, work alongside colleagues across the University, and hopefully make a positive difference to students' experiences.

What I did not anticipate was just how much the role would shape me too.

Less than a month into the role, I found myself doing something I never imagined I would do.

Standing on the stage at the University of Bath graduation ceremonies.

Not as a graduate. Not as a guest.

But as one of the people welcoming hundreds of students as they celebrated one of the biggest milestones of their lives.

If you had told me a few years ago that this would happen, I probably would have laughed.

Why graduation means so much to me

Graduation has always carried a special meaning for me.

In 2021, I moved to the UK to study for an MSc in Development and Security at the University of Bristol.

I graduated in September 2022, but I had already returned home in January, just two weeks before my graduation ceremony. Instead of celebrating with my classmates, I watched the ceremony through a livestream.

I remember feeling incredibly proud, but also a little heartbroken.

Everyone else was celebrating together while I was thousands of miles away. I wanted to wear the gown, walk across the stage, take the photographs, and celebrate with my classmates.

Over time, I made peace with missing that moment. I accepted that I would probably never wear my master's gown and that the next academic robe I would wear would, hopefully, be my PhD gown one day.

Then life surprised me.

As part of our role as The Students' Union Officers, we attend graduation ceremonies. Because I had submitted my PhD thesis but had not yet completed my viva, my highest awarded qualification was still my master's degree.

The University of Bath kindly arranged for my official master's gown from the University of Bristol.

Just like that, I was given the opportunity to experience a graduation moment that I thought I had lost forever.

For two days, I wore a gown I never imagined I would have the chance to wear.

It may seem like a small thing, but for me it represented so much more than academic dress. It represented closure. It represented celebration. Most of all, it represented a moment I had quietly grieved but never thought I would get back.

Some moments arrive years later than we expect, but they are no less meaningful when they finally do.

Speaking at graduation

Then came another unforgettable first.

I was invited to give The Students' Union graduation speech.

Now, if you know me, you will know that I enjoy public speaking. I have taught classes, presented at conferences, facilitated workshops, and spent the last few years talking about my research.

But this felt different.

This was not about presenting my work.

This was about representing students during one of the most significant moments of their university journey.

I was excited. I was honoured.

And yes... I was nervous.

I must have read my speech more times than I care to admit. For two weeks, I read it every morning and practised it on every Officer who was too kind to tell me no... sorry, Nic.

Standing behind the stage, waiting to process into the Abbey, I remember taking a deep breath and thinking,

"This is actually happening."

One of my favourite moments in the speech was saying these words:

"If there is one thing I hope you leave with today, it is this: the most meaningful journeys are rarely travelled alone. We become who we are through the people who walk alongside us. So, as you step into whatever comes next, remember not only what you achieved here, but who you became because of the people you met, the communities you joined, and the kindness you both received and gave."

Standing there, looking out at the graduates, I realised those words were not just for them.

They were for me too.

As I spoke those words, I realised they described my own journey just as much as they described the graduates' journey.

Over the past few years, I have been shaped by supervisors, friends, colleagues, mentors, students, and communities who believed in me long before I fully believed in myself. Becoming your Postgraduate and International Officer is another chapter of that journey, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by people who continue to challenge, encourage, and support me every day.

The bits you don't see

One of the unexpected joys of this role has been seeing everything that happens behind the scenes.

Walking in the academic procession was surreal.

There is something incredibly special about standing backstage, watching colleagues from across the University line up in their academic robes before processing into the Abbey. The history, the tradition, the excitement, and the sense of occasion all come together in a way that is difficult to describe.

It felt... majestic.

There is something about watching hundreds of academics in colourful robes process together that makes you appreciate the history and significance of the occasion.

For a moment, I found myself looking around and thinking,

"How on earth did I get here?"

Then came another unexpected highlight.

I got to hold the ceremonial mace backstage.

I know.

Not something I ever imagined would be on my list of life experiences.

It was one of those wonderfully random moments that only this role could give you.

Moments like this remind me that working for The Students' Union is not only about representing students. It is also about saying yes to opportunities that help me grow into a better representative for them.

I also had the opportunity to spend time with many of the University's senior leaders throughout the ceremonies. As someone who was new to the role, I really appreciated how welcoming and approachable everyone was. The Vice-Chancellor, the Pro-Vice-Chancellors, and colleagues across the University were all incredibly kind, making what could have felt like an intimidating environment feel genuinely warm and supportive.

As someone who had only ever seen many of them from the audience or on University webpages, sitting alongside them backstage was a reminder of how many unexpected opportunities this role has already opened up for me.

Those interactions reminded me that, behind every grand ceremony and institutional tradition, there are people who care deeply about celebrating students and making these moments memorable.

Growing alongside the role

One thing I have realised already is that this role is developing me just as much as I hope to contribute to it.

Every week seems to bring a new opportunity that pushes me outside my comfort zone.

One week I am speaking at graduation.

The next I am sitting in University committees.

Before I know it, I am working with colleagues across The Students' Union and the University on projects that I hope will improve the experience of postgraduate and international students.

I am learning how decisions are made.

I am becoming a more confident public speaker.

I am building relationships with people I never imagined I would meet.

Most importantly, I am learning that growth often comes from saying yes to opportunities before you feel completely ready.

For that, I am incredibly grateful.

Working for The Students' Union has already given me opportunities that I never imagined I would have, and I know this is only the beginning. I am genuinely excited to continue learning, developing, and representing the incredible postgraduate and international student community at Bath.

Congratulations, Class of 2026

Finally, to everyone who graduated this summer, congratulations.

Whether this was your bachelor's degree, master's degree, doctorate, or another milestone in your journey, I hope you take time to celebrate everything it took to get here.

And to the families, friends, supervisors, colleagues, and loved ones who celebrated alongside our graduates, thank you. Your encouragement, patience, and belief have undoubtedly been part of their success.

As I said to the Class of 2026:

"Graduation is not simply an ending. It is the beginning of another chapter."

Looking back over the past month, I realise that those words apply to me as well.

Becoming your Postgraduate and International Officer is one of the greatest privileges of my life, and I cannot wait to see what this chapter holds.

One more graduation still awaits me.

In January, all being well, I will return to this ceremony wearing a different robe for my PhD graduation. As a first-generation PhD graduate, and the first person in my immediate and extended family to achieve a doctorate, I already know there will be tears.

Quite a lot of them, if I'm being honest.

But that is a story for another blog.

Some moments arrive years later than we expect, but they are no less meaningful when they finally do.

Some dreams don't happen the way you imagined. Sometimes, they happen in ways you never imagined possible.

Until next time,

Mercy Martins

The SU Postgraduate and International Officer

Let's Spill the Tea

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 09:30:14 +0100

Your Postgraduate and International Officer Gives You the Real Gist

Hello everyone!

My name is Mercy, and I am your new Postgraduate and International Officer at The Students' Union.

This is my very first blog, so I thought this would be the perfect place to introduce myself, tell you a little about who I am, what life as an Officer has been like so far, and, of course, spill a little tea.

Ready? Let's go.

The boring bits (or at least I'll pretend they're boring)

My full name is Mercy Onyemaechi Martins, and I'm from Nigeria.

I recently completed my PhD in the Department of Education here at the University of Bath. Before that, I completed my master's degree in Development and Security at the University of Bristol.

I also turned 29 this year... which apparently means I have now entered the age where I make noises every time I stand up. Who knew?

Before becoming an Officer, I somehow kept saying yes to opportunities. I was a Departmental Academic Representative, then a Faculty Academic Representative (promotion unlocked!), a Peer Mentor, a Graduate Teaching Assistant (and recently became an Associate Fellow of Advance HE, which still feels surreal), and worked as a Research Assistant on several projects.

Outside work, I am a complete fantasy nerd.

Give me dragons, magic, romance, impossible quests, morally grey characters, and I am happy. Taylor Swift also dominates my playlists, which probably tells you everything you need to know about me.

I also enjoy board games, although I should clarify that I mean Monopoly, Cluedo, Connect 4 and Scrabble. Don't invite me to one of those complicated strategy games that requires reading a 45-page rulebook. I simply don't have the capacity.

I also crochet and make beaded jewellery, which is my way of convincing myself that I have hobbies outside reading.

So... how did I end up here?

If I'm being honest, I applied for this role with a lot of uncertainty.

Would you believe me if I told you that, for the longest time, I didn't even realise I was technically working with the Students' Union?

I was a Peer Mentor.

I was an Academic Representative.

Yet somehow, I never fully connected the dots.

Maybe my glasses weren't doing enough.

Campaigning was... an experience.

There were questionable TikToks.

There were dance moves that permanently reduced my aura.

There were moments where I genuinely questioned every life decision that had brought me there.

And then...

I won.

By 21 votes.

A close enough result that, as we say in Nigeria, perhaps my village people decided to help me this one time. (If you know, you know.)

So, what's the tea?

I've now been in the role for almost two months.

The first two weeks were our induction programme, where we learnt everything there is to know about The SU, our responsibilities as Officers and Trustees, and all the important things that adults call governance.

Thankfully, the outgoing Officers made sure it wasn't all PowerPoint presentations.

We had a dress-up day, where I came as Barbie. Honestly, after everything you've learnt about me so far, was anyone expecting anything different?

There was a barbecue, an end-of-year party, and yes... there was free vegan ice cream.

That may or may not have been one of the highlights.

After induction, everything became a blur of meetings.

University meetings.

Team meetings.

Introduction meetings.

Manifesto meetings.

Planning meetings.

I think I have introduced myself so many times that saying "Hi, I'm Mercy..." has become muscle memory.

All of this happened during one of the hottest weeks of the year.

Which is funny because I'm Nigerian.

Everyone kept asking me how I was coping with the heat.

Honestly? I wasn't.

There is currently a fan on my desk doing everything in its power to keep me alive.

Perhaps this is part of internationalisation.

What have I actually been working on?

Quite a lot, actually.

One of the things I have enjoyed most is meeting different teams across both The SU and the University to start turning manifesto ideas into real projects.

Some of the work so far includes:

Working with the Doctoral College and Doctoral Academic Representatives, which has led to the creation of a brand-new Doctoral Society focused on building community and representation for doctoral researchers.
Supporting the final stages of the University's supervision paper alongside colleagues from the Doctoral College.
Working with the International Team and the Doctoral College to improve pre-arrival support for international and doctoral students.
Supporting the Postgraduate Summer Party (although, if I'm honest, the previous Officer and the team deserve most of the credit. I mostly turned up, introduced myself, and dotted a few i's.)

I've also met with colleagues from Careers, Peer Mentoring, Voice, Marketing, Social Enterprise, Academic Representation, and so many other teams.

One thing I've learnt very quickly is just how many incredible people work behind the scenes to make the student experience better.

Some thank yous

I have to give a huge thank you to Sanya for an incredible handover.

She invested so much time in making sure I felt prepared, and I'm excited to continue building on the fantastic work she started.

A massive thank you also goes to our President and Education Officer. As returning Officers, they have been incredibly generous with their time, answering endless questions and helping us settle into our roles.

And to the rest of our Officer team, especially Activities, Community, and Sport, thank you for making these first few weeks so enjoyable. We've all been figuring things out together, and it's made a huge difference.

Random things I didn't know before becoming an Officer

Since this blog is called Let's Spill the Tea, here are a few random discoveries.

Did you know I am the very first Postgraduate and International Officer? I think that's incredibly exciting because it shows the Students' Union's commitment to representing postgraduate and international students.

Did you know there are so many different teams within The SU? Honestly, I thought it was just Officers and a handful of staff. I was very, very wrong.

Did you know Officers have line managers...

...but we're also technically our line manager's boss because we're elected trustees?

Don't ask me to explain it.

Ask Helen.

She understands all the governance and policy bits.

Finally...

Did you know that being an Officer does not get you free drinks at The Plug?

I was disappointed too.

Until next time...

I'm hoping to make this a regular blog, so if there is anything you would like me to write about, let me know.

Before I go, I also want to give a special shout-out to all our Doctoral Academic Representatives and Postgraduate Network Representatives. Thank you for everything you do to represent your fellow students.

And finally...

If you ever see me around campus, please come and say hello.

I promise I'm friendly.

My face just occasionally forgets to tell people that.

(I'm blaming the PhD.)

See you next time.

Mercy