Election post
I'm Saira, I'm from India, and inclusion isn't just something I believe in, it's something I've performed, taught, fundraised and fought for. I've taught underprivileged kids in Delhi, been vice president for SOB, (students with intellectual disabilities) for four years, raised money for acid attack survivors, advocated for organ donation across communities, and directed plays specifically about inclusion. I bring real experience, real empathy, and a genuine understanding of what it means to feel unseen.
If elected, I want every person of colour at UCL to actually feel like they belong here. I want to create more cultural events where our food, music and stories are celebrated I want safe spaces where people can talk about microaggressions without feeling dramatic. And I want POC students to see themselves represented in spaces, in conversations, in leadership. I want to build a community where nobody shrinks themselves to fit in and have the best college life. I'll push for mental health resources that actually understand our cultural backgrounds.
I'm not here because it looks good on a CV. I'm here because I've spent years showing up for people who felt invisible in Delhi classrooms, on stages and at fundraisers. I want to use my theatre background to create storytelling nights where POC students share their real experiences because I was so scared before coming to London thinking what if I don't fit in, what if I face racism and miss opportunities because of it. I want to make sure no POC student at UCL ever feels that way. Vote for me because I've been working towards inclusion my whole life. This role is just the next chapter.
I believe in 200 years UCL will reflect the real world, not just in posters and diversity statements but in classrooms, curriculums and leadership. Progress is slow and often frustrating but it happens when people refuse to stay quiet. The students here today will shape what UCL becomes. I don't think it'll be perfect in 200 years but it'll be closer. And that's worth fighting for.