- Why did you become a Trustee at the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association?
I have been involved with UHI since 2014, as both the Board Chair of UHI Inverness and as a member of the UHI Court. When stepping down from these roles in 2020 an opportunity arose to apply to be a Trustee of HISA which I was very fortunate to be appointed to. The role of the students and the association should be at the heart of all that UHI and its partner institutions do, but I don’t think that has always been the case. I want to help support the student body to be recognised and supported in all the fantastic work that they do, and to act as an advocate for them across the partnership.
- Briefly tell us about what your course
I graduated with a BA Honours degree in Government Policy and Management from the Robert Gordon University (RGU) and then went on to do a Masters degree in Middle East Security at The University of Aberdeen.
- What is your fondest memory of being a student?
My undergraduate degree programme at RGU had a work placement element built into its third year. For my placement, I was very fortunate to be selected to work as a Research Analyst for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), an economic development agency covering in Eastern Canada. I was based in Charlottetown, the capital of the province of Prince Edward Island for the duration of my tenure and worked with and met a wide range of fantastic and supportive people and had the most fantastic experience. I also took the opportunity whilst there to explore, travelling around Eastern Canada and New England.
- What inspires and/or motivates you?
I am motivated primarily by a sense of fairness and trying to break down barriers that exist for people within society. It feels like now, more than ever, that there’s more division, hatred and nastiness in society, and that is really sad. I want to support organisations such as HISA, that are working to overcome the barriers to participation that exist as well as fostering a greater sense of equity and belonging.
- What do you hope to bring to the Trustee Board?
I hope that I can bring some wider insights into the UHI partnership and that I can help HISA to grow and develop and to continue the fantastic work that all of its staff and officers do so well day in and day out.