English Society: Welfare Officer

Hey! I’m Emily, a third-year student of English. I’m putting myself forward for the position of Welfare Officer of the English Society this year as I am a passionate advocate for the mental health and wellbeing of my peers. When I’m not at uni, I work in a pharmacy, where my job is to bridge the gap between doctors and people in my local community, in a friendly and professional manner. The responsibility of being your Welfare Officer would be a fantastic opportunity for me to use my experience to bridge the gap between the amazing mental health services we have here at UCL, and all the members of the English Society. If I secure your vote, you can be confident as a member of the English Society that you are well connected to, and wholly supported by, not only the advice/ mental health services in place at UCL, but also the small, friendly community that we have in our society!

Familiar, comforting, and full of people that compel you to turn the page, I find the English Society not simply a group that bonds over literature but also a warm and welcoming community. As Welfare Representative, I will strive to ensure this sense of welcome for all members, fostering a space where all are recognized and valued. Having worked as an editor for my high-school magazine and the Sunday Times Sri Lanka, I know how to grasp different perspectives, as well as understand how to help others feel more confident in themselves, both of which I believe are important when supporting other members in the society. Similarly, as an international South Asian student, I understand firsthand the daunting task of finding your footing in an entirely new space. Having founded a literary magazine aimed at South Asian authors, I have experience in creating an inclusive space for others. It is the small efforts that create a warm community, and as Welfare Representative, I hope to not only support students in practical ways, but also show my support through a mere conversation, message, or simply by noticing when a student needs it. Through my work as representative, I hope to help the English Society remain a place where all members feel seen and supported, a community that allows all to be part of the story.