☀️ Get to Know Them ☀️: Muhsina Nessa
Name: Muhsina Nessa
Role elected to: Social Officer
Role & Ambition
- What motivated you to run for this role in the student union?
I was motivated to run for Social Officer because I value the importance of community, inclusivity, and student wellbeing. I want to help create opportunities for all students to connect, feel represented, and enjoy their time at university outside of academic pressures.
- What do you hope to achieve during your time in office? Are there any specific projects or issues you’re passionate about?
I hope to organise a variety of inclusive events that celebrate student diversity and support mental wellbeing. I’m particularly passionate about cultural celebration days, wellbeing socials, and collaborations that bridge students across different courses and backgrounds.
- What do you think will be the biggest challenge in your role, and how are you preparing to tackle it?
Balancing engagement across a diverse student body may be challenging, especially reaching underrepresented groups. I plan to run regular feedback surveys and work closely with course reps to understand and respond to what students really want.
- How do you plan to engage with students and ensure their voices are heard?
I will use a mix of social media polls, and suggestion boxes to make feedback easy and accessible. I’ll also collaborate with other officers to ensure student voices are part of every planning decision.
- What does being part of the student union mean to you personally?
Being part of the student union means being a voice for others, creating a supportive and welcoming student culture, and making positive, lasting contributions to campus life.
Background & Experience
- What did you study (or are currently studying), and how has that shaped your approach to student representation?
Studying Primary Education and Early Years with QTS has taught me the importance of listening to individual voices, valuing inclusivity, and creating safe, supportive environments where everyone feels heard. These principles directly shape my approach to student representation—I believe in advocating for all students, especially those who may feel underrepresented, and ensuring their needs are reflected in the decisions we make. Just as in the classroom, student wellbeing and open communication are at the heart of effective representation.
- Have you had any previous leadership or volunteer experience before taking on this role?
Whilst doing work experience with Start Up Sherpas, I had to create our own charity event and present my ideas on it. We worked independently at the start and then in groups to get group feedback. At the end we vote for the best one out of all the participants and these ideas get sent to companies that work in the charity field. I also got paid a bit over £100 from completing it. From this I’ve learnt how to get ideas and how to think differently.
- What’s one lesson or skill from your studies or past experiences that you think will help you most in this role?
One lesson or skill from my studies that will help me most in this role is the ability to communicate clearly and empathetically. In Primary Education and Early Years, we’re constantly taught to listen actively, respond thoughtfully, and adapt to different needs—skills that are vital when representing a diverse student body. Whether it’s organising events or addressing student concerns, this experience has prepared me to be approachable, inclusive, and responsive in every interaction.
Personal & Fun
- What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
One thing people might be surprised to learn about me is that I’ve volunteered as a homework tutor for children that don’t usually do their homework at home. This experience not only deepened my passion for inclusive education but also gave me insight into how small actions can have a big impact—something I hope to carry into my role as Social Officer.
- What’s your go-to way to unwind after a busy day?
After a busy day, I like to unwind by taking a walk. It helps me clear my mind, reflect, and recharge. Sometimes I also enjoy painting or watching a comforting film to relax.
- Do you have a favourite spot on campus (or in the city/town) and why?
One of my favourite spots on campus is the student lounge area. It’s a calm and welcoming space where I can catch up with friends, take a break between lectures, or get some work done in a relaxed environment. Outside of campus, I really enjoy going to Lidl—it's close by and its usually a place where I go to get a snack.
- If you could have dinner with any historical or public figure, who would it be and why?
If I could have dinner with any historical or public figure, it would be Nelson Mandela. His ability to forgive, lead with compassion, and unite a divided nation after decades of oppression is incredibly powerful. I’d want to understand how he maintained hope and strength during his years of imprisonment, and how he approached leadership with such wisdom and humility.
- What’s a song, film, or book that inspires you or you always come back to?
A book that I always come back to is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Its themes of justice, empathy, and standing up for what’s right—even when it’s difficult—resonate deeply with me. It reminds me of the importance of integrity and using your voice for those who aren’t always heard.
- How would your friends describe you in three words?
Supportive, reliable, and enthusiastic.
- What's one goal—personal or professional—you’d like to achieve by the end of the academic year?
By the end of the academic year, I’d like to successfully organise and deliver a student-led event that brings together different year groups and helps build a stronger sense of community on campus.
