Hi everyone,
I’m Becky, some of you may already know me others may not. I thought I’d share a bit about myself and why I’m standing for Disabled Student Representative. Let’s start with sharing things about me.
Firstly, I live with several long-term conditions, both physical and mental. I volunteer with the Open SU as a Student Representative and on the committee for the Disabled Students Group. Through this I have found that I have a passion and drive to support students. I am always there to listen with an honest non-judgmental friendly ear. If I don’t have the answers, then I will say that and then go and find the answers.
In my Disabled Students Group committee role, I have been active in supporting and engaging with all members of the support group and even created and led sessions on how to work with your tutor. In the sessions I have led it has always worked hard to create an atmosphere of acceptance, understanding and most importantly safety. Only when people truly feel safe can they share the difficult aspects of their lives and hopefully find support and a way to work through these things.
Whilst I do have several health conditions, I’m not naïve enough to think that because I have these conditions it is the same for everyone, regardless of condition. I may not have the conditions and will never say that I know what it’s like when I don’t. Something I can and do share is the frustrations and barriers that is sadly part of everyday life. For me it is a powerful thing to speak to someone who truly understands what it feels like, not only important for your sanity.
There are many reasons why I am standing for Disabled Student Representative. Firstly, is that whilst many of us have similar or the same conditions, the impact it has on us is different. This can mean day to day or even hour to hour. I want to raise awareness that just because student may have a long-term health condition doesn’t mean our voices shouldn’t be heard. I am a firm believer in that we need to advocate for ourselves just as strong as we would advocate for others. This may be a difficult thing to do as it means we have to be vulnerable; this is a scary prospect for many. There are some who don’t feel comfortable to do this, if elected I will be there to support you to advocate for yourself.
I feel passionate about making things better for students. There are no quick fixes with these things, but I will never give up and fight for the right thing for you as students. There is no one size fits all, it is very individual and just because these things should help us doesn’t mean it will. We have a responsibility to speak up when it isn’t working as then we will have the opportunity to find something that does work.
I think that whilst awareness of the impact and health conditions have a better understanding than it was, there is still more that needs to be done. I have found the Open University are not only accepting but incredibly supportive. This is why I am standing for Disabled Students Representative. I want to be your voice in the Student Leadership team and voice your concerns and speak about what is important to you.
I would kindly and respectfully ask for your vote for me as Disabled Student Representative. I promise I will always advocate for what you as disabled students need. I am happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
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