Mental Health Society: First Year Rep

Hi, I’m Tanmaye Shagotra, and I’m asking for your vote to serve as your First-Year Representative for the UCL Mental Health Society. 

Transitioning to university life is exciting, but overwhelming. Between deadlines, new environments, and finding balance, many of us face silent struggles. I want to ensure that no first-year at UCL ever feels alone in that journey. Having led AI-based mental health initiatives for students in India, working with educators and counsellors  to design emotional support systems, I’ve seen how open conversation and compassionate structures can transform lives. 

At UCL, I want to help build that same environment of trust and empathy. As your First-Year Rep, I will:
 

• Strengthen the voice of first-years: Collect weekly feedback from Society members through meetups and digital channels to ensure that every first-year’s ideas and concerns directly shape our events and discussions.
• Promote peer connection: Launch Wellness Circles and informal meet-ups to create safe, judgment-free spaces for conversation and support.
• Collaborate and educate: Work with the Welfare and Inclusion reps of other societies to run awareness events, workshops, and campaigns on stress management and wellbeing.
• Create engaging initiatives: Launch an interactive experience for where members can express themselves through writing and/or open mic storytelling.
• Expand our community: Develop intercollegiate collaborations with mental health societies across other UK universities.

Hi everyone, I'm Diya, and I’m applying to be the First Year Representative for the Mental Health Society because mental health support at university is deeply personal to me. During my first year at UCL, I struggled with the pressures of adapting to a new environment and eventually developed psychosis under the stress. I made the difficult decision to interrupt my studies to focus on recovery, which was both a painful and empowering choice. 

Having been through that, I know how isolating first year can feel and how much of a difference it can make to have someone be there for you. I want to be that person for others, to help create a community where students feel safe to talk, share experiences and seek help without fear or stigma. I want to make sure that no one feels like they ever have to suffer in silence. 

I believe my experience gives me a unique perspective on what first year students need: reassurance that they are not alone, practical guidance on where to find support and genuine compassion from someone who’s been there. I would be truly honoured to bring that perspective to the society. 

Thank you for considering my application.