3 minute read
VP Welfare’s Welcome
Hey Everyone, My name is Sinéad O’Mahony and I am delighted to have been elected as your Vice President Welfare for the coming academic year! To all our incoming students - Welcome to MTU! You are at the beginning of a whole new chapter in your life, so please make the most of every college experience that comes your way because the next few years will fly by! Just a little bit about me - I just completed a Bachelor of International Business with German at MTU. My final year was carried out online so I know the struggles and this has motivated me to ensure that you all get the best college experience possible this academic year. Throughout my years in MTU, I have been a Class Rep, student leader and alumni ambassador. I also played on the MTU basketball team. I would highly recommend getting involved in these different aspects of college life as you get to meet loads of new people, it is great experience and also a bit of craic! As your VP Welfare, firstly I am here to represent you on a local and national level. I will use my position to voice your concerns so that they are listened to. I am also here to help you with matters relating to your welfare including mental health, wellbeing, accommodation, financial hardship, safety, student support and more. But I am also here to simply just have a chat. My office is filled with information leaflets, booklets and cards on just about everything surrounding college life. I have the contact information for an array of services across the country should you need them. My office door is always open- whether that be online or in person. However, it is important for you all to know that I am not a trained counsellor. I am here to listen, offer as much support as I can and refer you if you need extra assistance. Also, just a little FYI, I have a complimentary supply of condoms in my office to promote positive sexual health for all MTU students! As your VP Welfare, I will be running the welfare campaigns which includes Positive Mind and Body Week, SHAG Week, Safety Week, and Exam Destress to name a few. I will also be running numerous Day Campaigns throughout the year so keep an eye out on your emails and posters around the college. The past 18+ months have been tough on everyone and I think it is fair to say that we all have struggled at some point, so this year I want to run campaigns and initiatives that focus heavily on the mental and physical health of MTU students as I believe this is a priority. Other areas that I will aim to improve are social inclusion, financial struggles and equality for all MTU students. (PS, I would be more than happy to hear from you if you have any suggestions or ideas for campaigns that you would like to see run at MTU). As you start this new chapter in your life, I would like to give you a few pieces of advice. Grab every opportunity that college life presents to you with both hands. Join the clubs and societies that you are interested in. Take advantage of the services that are available to you. Get involved in the different campaigns, events, projects and initiatives that go on throughout the year. Be open to getting to know new people- you will make friends for life! Time will pass you by so quickly, and it is true what they say- for most people, these will be the best years of your life. The Students’ Union works for you. We are here to voice your concerns and represent you all as best we can so do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help! I want to wish you the very best of luck in your coming year here at MTU and I look forward to meeting you all.
UP THE STUDENTS!
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