Sahaana Mahadevan

Hi! I'm Sahaana and I'm running for the post of Welfare Officer for the Arts and Sciences society. Being a part of BASc has shown me how diverse our community is, and it would be an honour to help ensure it feels supported and genuinely cared for.

As a Health and Environment student, wellbeing is something I think about academically and personally. Volunteering at a charitable hospital through the summer strengthened my ability to listen with patience and empathy and understand people without judgement. I've been in the BASc common room religiously every Thursday for donuts this term, and it is the highlight of my week. The informal conversations really help us connect as coursemates.

As Welfare Officer I'd prioritise accessible, visible support, especially for incoming students. The current check-ins on Instagram are creative and useful. In addition to those, I would help organise chats between first year and older students to address anything on their mind - from module choices and tips on coursework to university life. I'd be more than happy to facilitate such meetings between willing students as part of my work as Welfare Officer. Organising study sessions and discussions about confusing coursework, being a reliable and approachable person are a few responsibilities I anticipate.

I want the Arts and Sciences Society to be not just intellectually exciting, but a space where everyone feels safe, supported and comfortable. I would love to do so as Welfare Officer!