African Caribbean Society: First Year Representative

Hey, I’m Aya! I’m half Sudanese and half Eritrean, and I’m studying Politics and International Relations. 

I’m standing to be ACS first-year rep because I have seen the benefits of the community that ACS has given me since starting UCL, and I want to share it with the rest of the first-year cohort. 

Before coming here, I, like many of you, felt scared I wouldn’t find people that looked like me; people who related to me and my experiences. I want to represent first-years in the ACS as a way of ensuring we can continue to encourage others to be a part of this community, whether that’s highlighting some great career links the society has, to helping plan for some super cool socials! 

As your first-year rep, I will ensure our ideas are listened to in committee meetings, and take the time to personally listen to ways you’d love to see the ACS improve in future. Having had experience representing others on a local and national scale, I am confident I can represent your views throughout the university to highlight concerns and things you would want to make your university experience that much greater. 

I’ll also be a friendly face for you to talk to about first-year support that the ACS can provide, or anything beyond ACS too! 

You want an ACS Freshers Rep who’s gonna be fire? Vote for Aya!

As First Year Rep I would want to ensure that first-year students have a strong voice within the African Caribbean Society. Starting university is both exciting and challenging, and I want to make sure that our events  genuinely cater to our interests and needs. I also want to provide opportunities for meaningful inter-year connections to develop and create a true sense of unity. As someone already involved in ACS through the netball team, I see firsthand how our culture and shared experiences can create lasting friendships and memories. I'm naturally bubbly and love connecting with people from all backgrounds. Talking to people comes easily to me, and I’m always eager to engage with others, listen to their ideas and make sure everyone's voice is heard. I also have a knack for organising events that not only run smoothly but also bring people together. As someone who’s proactive, I’m always looking for ways to improve. I will use my connections to help connect first years with valuable academic support. Whether you need study advice, tutoring options or guidance on academic paths I'm committed to ensuring our members have access to resources and people that can make a difference. If given the opportunity, I’d bring both positive energy and strong organizational skills to ensure ACS remains a fun environment for everyone involved.

As a black woman who grew up in a PWI surrounded by very few people who look like myself, I believe spaces such as the ACS are very important for personal development and making valuable friendships. Being in a society with people who are all of similar descent allows for us to bond over similar life struggles and experiences but also form connections on the basis of mutual understanding. As a first year representative, I would make sure to be a mouthpiece for people within the ACS, specifically first years, and ensuring that their needs and ideas would be vocalized and addressed. Whether these be opinions regarding events, what the ACS could do with more of; how we can encourage more people of African/Caribbean descent to get involved etc. - I will be sure to work towards all of these things. I think I would be a valuable asset to the team as I enjoy collaboration and think attributes such as effective communication and willingness to listen and engage are skills a valuable team member is composed of. All in all, I love the fact that there is a space for Africans and Caribbeans to connect and I would love to be a part of this as a first year representative.

I’m standing for ACS First Year Representative because I’m committed to creating a community where every first-year student feels supported, heard, and fully included. As we all transition into university life, I believe it’s important to have someone dedicated to representing our needs and ensuring our ideas contribute to the ACS community. I aim to act as a voice that collects and relays your input, creating events and initiatives that genuinely reflect what we are looking for - whether that is networking opportunities, or relaxed social gatherings to help us connect. One of these that I would like to implement is a BBQ social in the summer.

I know that career and skill-building opportunities are valuable to many of us as we start planning for our futures. I would like to work with ACS to set up more frequent events/opportunities, where we can hear from young professionals or take part in career specific mentoring opportunities. By offering events that are tailored to our ambitions and passions, I hope to make ACS a truly valuable resource and support system to first years as we settle into university.