Find out what being the President of a Student Union is like, and how Natalie has spent her last 30 days.
The role of Open SU President is most definitely a varied one, and sometimes it can feel like all you do is sit in meetings. While they're obviously very important for getting things done, I thought I'd show you some of the more varied things I've been a part of over the last month that make my role what it is.
Brave Leadership Training with Happy
On the 21 May, I started my Leadership Training with Happy. They are a training company who deliver training in a way that is engaging and enjoyable, and their training has helped me so much throughout my time with Open SU.
The first session was held at their London HQ, and it is quite honestly one of the best offices I have seen. Plus who wouldn’t want to work somewhere with a fridge full of Magnums for an afternoon break? As a bonus I also got to meet some fantastic women leaders and snagged a very swanky planner and pen, as well as getting to play with Lego. My inner child was very happy by the end of the day!
Student Roundtable with Jacqui Smith
The following week on the 29 May, it was back to the Walton Hall Campus in Milton Keynes to attend a roundtable session with Baroness Smith of Malvern, Minister for Skills. I joined other OU students who have all experienced OU education in different ways from apprenticeships to scholarship recipients. It was really inspiring and humbling to hear the varied stories of our students, and a real example of the dedication and hard work it takes to be an OU student.
Baroness Smith was incredibly engaging, and she took a real interest in our stories and experiences and how the OU really does change people's lives.
We also had the privilege of looking at some of the amazing exhibits that we have in the OU Archive. The history and the innovation of the OU that has helped bring learning to students over the years is unreal, and of particular interest was the excerpts from the Jennie Lee Archive. This included her ministerial red box and the original government papers outlining the foundations for the OU. Jennie Lee was the driving force behind these plans becoming a reality to create the OU we all know and love today.
Access Insight Knowledge Exchange Seminar
On the 5 June, I popped over to Bridgend College Pencoed Campus in Wales to take part in a panel session all about the importance of Learner voice in research. It was brilliant to meet OU in Wales colleagues and to get an insight into some of their partnership work with further education colleges across Wales.
The event was also attended by Vicky Howells MS, Minister for Further Education and Higher Education. It was amazing to hear her talk about the OU and the importance of Open Education, as well as alternative ways to access Higher Education. There is a wealth of research into collaboration and how this can be successful for both students and institutions, and I look forward to seeing this work develop.
OU in Ireland Graduation, Croke Park Dublin
Finishing up my adventures, for now, with a trip over to Dublin to celebrate the amazing achievements of our Irish OU students on the 13 June at the stunning Croke Park Stadium. The 4:30am alarm was bit of a shock, but it was worth it to see the graduates cross the stage. Attending graduation ceremonies is one of the best parts of this role, and they are always so motivating and a real reminder of why we do what we do.
It was also amazing to hear from the guest speaker Gillian Quinn about her own OU journey and the impact the OU has had on her life. From not feeling very academic to starting an OU degree to now being in the final stages of her PhD!
OU study really is not easy, and OU students are strong, hardworking and conscientious but I know how easy it can be to give into the feelings of being an imposter. So, if you do ever feel like you can’t do it, watch some of the graduation ceremonies on YouTube and picture yourself crossing that stage, because it will be all worth it when you get that certificate and can say you did it!
If you want to catch up on what else myself and the Student Leadership Team have been up to so far in our term, you can access our quarterly reports here.
Natalie Baker,
Open SU President