Name: Aashna Sehgal
College: Goodricke College
Year: 1
Subject: Law
Campaign in three words: Voice, Implement & Change
What’s the most important part of your manifesto?
I believe the most important part of my manifesto is the emphasis on the kind of academic and financial support I choose to increase for international students this year. One of my main aims is to sincerely provide a more efficient and accessible platform in order to ensure that relevant issues are being brought to the table for action.
How do you differ from the other candidates?
While drafting my policies, I promised myself to only campaign for goals that are realistic and I know I will be able to live up to. I know that none of the aims in my manifesto are unrealistic or unachievable. For example I chose not to promise the reduction of fees for international students – though this is a concerning issue and I really aim to look into it, I understood that it is a more legislative factor. As a university representative I did not want to promise this to the students and induce disappointment if it was not actually brought into action, or lead them to believe that what was being promised to them has not been delivered. This being said, I really want to stress that this is still an issue I am going to look into and work for with the NUS.
What was your favourite thing the previous officer did and why?
The previous officer maintained throughout his year the kind of support that was available to students – financially and academically. He also worked closely with the international students union and the NUS which was remarkable.
What’s the most important thing about the role you are going for?
The fact that this role requires to represent a student body that comprises about 25% of the entire university.
How are you campaigning?
Apart from the usual campaigning, I really aim to talk to a lot of students, not only in college residences but also students off campus to make sure that everyone knows about the elections and its process. Apart from voting, a main aim in my campaigning is to really stress and increase the awareness of how to make student life better for international students at the university and make sure that they are receiving the resources as best they can.
What do you like the most about York?
I think the beauty of the York Minster right before the sunset takes the cake.
What’s the best slogan you can think of for your campaign?
To choose a better voice for you – Choose inter-ash-ionalism!
What do you think about York Vision?
I think it does a good job in keeping students aware about issues and news concerning students at the university, knowing how hard it is to run such a wide organization.