Dear Manchester

As a Londoner, I wanted to go to a big city for university – I needed somewhere vibrant, energetic and community-driven. Manchester ticked all the boxes. The University has this amazing ability to draw on the influences and culture of the city that surrounds it. It never felt like we were in an exclusive bubble – we were able to experience both the University and the city as one.  

Manchester has always been the university to push against the status quo. Whether through academic fields or the student voice, there’s always been a vibrant community where people are free to challenge and push the boundaries. The Manchester family is a diverse group of people, and it’s this collective voice that drives its innovative power and influence. 

Embracing every opportunity

I felt that the opportunities were endless at the University, and I threw myself into everything. It’s not just studying; the societies give you the chance to build valuable life skills. Being President of the Model United Nations Society gave me incredible skills in communication and creating balanced arguments. This was invaluable when it came to my role as General Secretary at the Students’ Union.  

I was seeped in the environment of the Union early on, working in the café, bars and sitting on the Activities Committee. Then the opportunity came up to run in the elections and I thought, 'I’m going to put myself out there, take a risk. What have I got to lose? If I don’t win, my life will continue. And if I do, then I’ll put my all into the role'. It’s a great grounding in how to get out there and articulate the change you want to see and how you’re going to do it.

I realised that you need to be fearless. People are voting for the person with similar views and ideas, but also the candidate they think will produce results. Expressing your views and engaging with strangers was a great life lesson – you’ve got to bounce back and keep going. 

Celebrating the change-makers 

Students are the lifeblood of the University. Their intentions and ambitions are greater than ever before. They’re the ones that will take their education and go make real change in the world. I believe that the best university strategies are the ones that engage people in them – those who will be directly impacted. These are the people who shape it – and Manchester does that so well. 

The responsibility of universities 

Universities have a crucial role to play in communicating the truth in a time of disinformation. The responsibility is great – to shape the future based on knowledge and research. They’re challenged with making research more accessible and influencing policy making to ensure the information people receive has been through the appropriate rigour. People trust universities and their role in society and, as a truly global institution, Manchester can positively impact the mindset of people across the world. 

Universities are huge institutions, with processes, rules and regulations. Undoubtedly this needs managing, but for Manchester that doesn’t become its entire focus. Students are given a huge variety of opportunities outside education to inspire and create impact, during their time in Manchester and beyond. 

Extending the Manchester influence 

As I return to the University to take on the role of Chair of the Alumni Association, I want to help expand Manchester’s influence even further – engaging members of the alumni community who haven’t been reached before. I want them to feel like they’re part of what’s going on, and follow the Manchester values wherever they are in the world.  

My goals for the future? I have chosen not to make 10-year plans anymore but to listen to myself and follow my intuition. Like the University, I am led by my values and want to make societal impact, contributing to the bigger picture. For me, life isn’t about lists – it’s about embracing opportunities and finding ways to make a difference no matter how small – something I learnt at Manchester and carry with me into my future.