Manifesto

I’m a Mexican international student running for Community Officer. I want to apply my degree, psychology, to mental health, volunteering, diversity and other student groups.

 

     Mental health spectrum

After being diagnosed with depression, I’ve seen that current support mainly focuses on people who are experiencing either very mild or severe symptoms of a disorder; those in the middle are neglected. I want to support student groups, such as Student Minds, by training more students and creating more groups. I’ll also lobby for more counselling provided by the University and challenge stigmas of less-discussed disorders.

 

     Obliterating the glass ceiling

Not only does inequality oppress women, but also ethnic minorities. I want to identify the existing glass ceilings and shatter them completely. I’ll also magnify the presence of student groups that deal with those issues.

 

     Let’s talk

Society negatively influences men’s behaviour; they’re expected to be stoic and bottle up their feelings. I want to campaign against those stigmas along with charities, such as Time to Change, to provide more support for the well-being of men.

 

     Happier LGBT international students

Some cultures restrict sexual orientation. I want to keep supporting the LGBT community by helping them integrate international students who still feel they cannot be themselves.

 

     More rights for international students

The consequences of Right to Rent discriminate against those with a foreign name or foreign accent. I want to run a Landlords' Forum to provide more information about how to rent to students, particularly international.

 

     Better connection students-volunteering

Although there are many opportunities, students struggle to find information about the events and the benefits of volunteering. I want to improve the marketing of this to get to more people.

 

     More inclusive community

It’s appalling that inclusivity is an award rather than an inherent part of societies. I want to make it essential by working with student groups and training societies to remove barriers.

 

     Better culture representativeness

While there’s much support for hegemonic cultures on campus, many others are ignored. I want to support all, but particularly the underrepresented cultures by redistributing the budget for cultural events. Aim: one big cultural event a month.

 

     Fixed fees for international students

I’ll keep campaigning to have fixed fees for all the years of your degree.

 

     Better accommodation on campus

Many students complain about the living standards. I’ll lobby for increased support, particularly for noise reduction.

 

     Easier house/housemate search

Support for housing happens too late in the year. I want to have ‘meet & greets’ earlier in the year for people who are searching for house or housemates. I’ll also help students who go on short placements to secure a house/find a housemate before leaving Bath.

Me:

• Been involved in THINK week twice
• Successfully coordinated Mexico Day, which was praised by the Mexican Embassy
• Helped ISA run a campaign on Day of Solidarity for international students
• Current chair of Cathsoc
• Will be a delegate for the 2016 NUS International Students conference, and submitted two motions on Right to Rent and faith facilities

 

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