The year our master’s students spend at IDS is challenging, interesting, varied and fun… We are so grateful for the hardworking Student Reps and Union Councillors, who help ensure their fellow students have the best experience possible.
As the final term rumbles to a close we wanted to celebrate those who have put in extra hours alongside their studies to represent the Class of 2024. Some of them shared with us their highlights and challenges over the last year:
Akwugo Anyaegbunam, MA Food & Development, from Nigeria, said:
”Serving as a Student rep was part of my commitment to having a wholesome experience here at IDS. It gave me the opportunity to stretch myself not just in my academics but also in my interactions with a fantastic community of scholars, change makers and thought leaders.
I would definitely recommend stepping up and taking part in decision making roles like these especially if you’re actively looking to inspire positive change wherever you are!”
Ryo Sarashina, MA Governance, Development & Public Policy, from Japan, said:
“My classmates recommended I become a Student Rep. It was a great experience for me to learn how to manage the organisation and deliver students’ messages to IDS.
The time management could be a struggle at times, but it helped me learn to use time efficiently.”
Ridzki Akbar Samsulhadi, MA Poverty and Development, from Indonesia, said:
“I liked being involved in taking care of myself and my cohorts during our time together at IDS. I also would not miss the great opportunity to interact and learn from fellow Student Reps with amazing leadership capacities.
I would advise any students considering applying to be a rep to stay open-minded! You will learn many important leadership and management skills as a rep. We were also given relative freedom to channel the students voice we represented, so it’s a great role to connect our cohorts with IDS and the university.”
Aayushree Nepal, MA Gender & Development, from Nepal, said:
“Being a Student Rep for my cohort was an incredible experience that opened doors to meaningful interactions with other Student Reps and the faculty. It was a great opportunity to represent my peers, share ideas, learn from each other, and navigate our journey at IDS.
I encourage every student to push beyond their comfort zone and make most of the opportunities available here. It is a great chance to develop leadership skills and grow personally and professionally!”
Deeksha Billa, MA Development Studies, from India, said:
“I decided to be a Student Rep at IDS because I’ve always loved to take up leadership roles, and I enjoyed the sense of responsibility. I got to organise a small event with my cohort which was really fulfilling, as well as hearing the concerns of fellow students.
My advice to others would be to stay as active as possible, take initiatives and don’t be scared to become a rep. It will definitely add something to your overall personality, apart from adding to your CV.”
Faith Chiazor, MA Gender & Development, from Nigeria, said:
“I chose to be a Student Rep because I wanted to contribute actively to students and IDS. It’s something I believed I could do, especially since I am interested in women and leadership. It was an opportunity to hone my skills and learn new things!”
Chandni Ganesh, MA Gender & Development, from India, is a Union Councillor.
She decided to run for the position as she believes it is imperative for IDS students, faculty, and staff to maintain a strong and positive relationship with the University of Sussex Students’ Union (USSU). Students can access a wide variety of resources and support through the USSU, such as advice, training, and even budgets for events.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed engaging with the IDS student body and understanding what they want out of their university experience,” she said. “Whether it was deciding on important policy at the Union Council or attending meetings with Linda (Waldman, Director of Teaching & Learning) and our team of student reps, it was exciting to be part of conversations wherein I could represent our students. One of my highlights this year was attending a meeting with the IDS Building Imagery Committee and communicating our cohort’s feelings about the photographs and artwork displayed at IDS. It has been amazing to see the Weird Ecology exhibit at the IDS reception, knowing we played a role in that decision!
It is not always easy to agree on matters that are deeply personal and political to IDS students, faculty, and staff. As a Union Councillor, I had to find a balance between communicating my own views, the student body’s opinions, and the management’s strategies about certain policies. There were definitely more than a few tough conversations! Nonetheless, it was always heartening to know that we all put community care and friendship at the heart of our discussions.
I would advise anyone considering applying to be a rep not to be scared of putting yourself out there! I nominated myself on a whim, expecting nothing to come of it; last month, I won the USSU Award for Council and Committee Representative of the Year. As it turns out, my fears about running for Union Councillor were completely misplaced. Focus on doing your best for the wonderful community of students, faculty, and staff at the IDS and Sussex at large. You are sure to make unforgettable memories—and even lasting change at the IDS, and beyond!”
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