POC officer, Rawleka Wilson highlights her experience of shaping decisions at UCL for the better and ways they are bringing communities together on campus
My ambitions as a POC officer have been first and foremost to create a more inclusive environment for all UCL students who identify as a person of colour. This was important as Rachel and I recognised how people of the same culture tended to stick to each other rather than immerse in other cultures so we wanted to change that and allow students to learn about new cultures and traditions in a safe and fun environment.
Inclusive and intersectional approaches are at the forefront of what we do
Being a POC officer has enriched my university experience in many ways as it has provided an opportunity to not only meet new people from all over the world but also have a voice amongst the leaders of the student body. Through regularly attending UCL’s policy zones (e.g. Education Zone or Welfare Zone), I was able to keep updated on all the current affairs and ways in which students needed support and also be a voice for students who are often silenced.
This forced me to approach new challenges from a perspective beyond my own, thus helping me to understand how different people experience UCL differently and the role intersectionality plays in this. It was delving into UCL’s policy-making processes and participating in Union Executive meetings that provided invaluable insights into decision-making at an institutional level and increased my confidence in approaching student issues. This experience allowed Rachel and I to make a difference not only socially, and through our countless events, but also politically through advocating and critically analysing the SU’s policies.
The most rewarding part...
The most rewarding part of being a POC Officer is the positive feedback I’ve received from different students around campus. Some students opened up and mentioned how affirming it was to meet like-minded people with shared cultures and experiences, especially as living in London can be isolating. This has made me feel that I have been able to leave a mark at UCL, going beyond just attending lectures and achieving a degree.
Creating spaces on campus for the POC community to thrive
We have brought the POC community together in a diverse range of events. One that stood out to me the most was our Afro-Cuban event in collaboration with the Salsa Society and African Caribbean Society. This was an insightful and fun event filled with laughter as we all tried out a new dance technique; it was also a safe space where the POC community could get to know each other without judgment. We have hosted various other events aiming to achieve the same community-building goal, including a paint and sip night; a trip to a Caribbean restaurant; a POC vegan potluck day; a curly-hair workshop; an open mic night for BHM; a focus group for Black UCL students to share their experiences; a Latin American film night and much more!
Representing the POC community goes beyond just lending a hand
This has had a positive impact on me too as I started university having not been exposed to many cultures outside my own and now I have learned new things like dumpling making and even tried learning new languages and the meanings behind different cultural celebrations! I truly believe that I have made friends for life through this POC community and hope that this is a legacy that continues forever. Being the People of Colour Student Officers at the SU has been an incredible journey for both Rachel and me!
Representing our community goes beyond just lending a hand; it's about empowering our community and affirming our voices. From organising events like Afro-Cuban salsa workshops and dumpling-making nights to paint-and-sip events and film nights, we're dedicated to celebrating our diverse backgrounds and building meaningful connections. In addition to our community-building efforts, we're proud to have raised funds for BLAM Charity ( Black Learning Achievement and Mental Health), which will help promote education, advocate for better mental health resources, and challenge systemic barriers to equality. Reflecting on our impact, it's heartening to witness our network's growth and community spirit. Looking back, I can't help but feel a sense of wonder at how far I've come. To anyone considering stepping into a leadership role: go for it! Your unique perspective is your strength, and there's plenty of support available to help you succeed. Together, let's continue empowering each other and shaping a more inclusive future!