This week we had the pleasure of sitting down (over a Starbucks of course) with UoA’s own Vice Pres. for Welfare and Equal Opportunities, Shaion Small. The main topic of discussion, something Shai feels very strongly about, was Equality. As a collective here at Her Campus we not only want to give students a voice on Campus, but also to promote issues which are fundamental to providing a better university experience. One of these issues is equality. There’s so much to learn and do to make our campus the equal place we want it to be so read on to hear from Shai a little bit more about equality, his role on campus and the current campaigns which aim to level the playing field.
HC: So first of all we know your role on campus is all about equality. We know why HC finds it important but we would love to get your personal take on it. Why do you find that Equality and advocating for it is so important here in Aberdeen?
Shai: For a society to be truly progressive, it needs to be an equal one. It allows us to share the embodiment that is the wealth of knowledge every single human provides, knowledge which will help further and improve our society. However without equality this opportunity will not be awarded to all members of our community and society, thus hindering change.
HC: How would you encourage our readers, students and others to advocate for a more equal society?
Shai: I would simply say get involved in whatever you can – just get involved. A lot of the issues in the university cannot be fought single-handedly therefore people need to be more mindful of current situations. We can campaign but awareness can only do so much. Mindfulness at the of the day is a powerful tool and can do a great deal in helping us achieve equality in all aspects of our university community. Therefore student engagement needs to be on the rise in elections, campaigns, initiatives; offer your absolute participation and why not even run for a position? If your manifesto is concrete then just have the confidence that the student body will listen. We need to become more representative and inclusive and the only way we can do that is, if those whom we stand to represent get involve, voice their issues and let their voice be heard.
HC: Oh wow, it’s great to hear that you are taking such steps to encourage student involvement and we will definitely be on the outlook for the new strategy! However Shai may we also ask, what triggered this need to advocate for greater student engagement?
Shai: Well, there is only so much we can change institutionally, but it doesn’t fix the situation. There needs to be an integrated push for the same goal, because equality affects us all. Some may argue that it doesn’t concern them in some instances, but let it appeal to your humanity. Yes, we all come from different backgrounds and diverse cultures, but that’s exactly why we should be more mindful. Equality is not simply the law or institutions, but also changing our own behaviours and attitudes. It’s about rethinking and changing the way we act or cater to others. Equality and our wellbeing is a product of all of us. I can bring the awareness of an issue, and you may say it doesn’t affect me and therefore I will not get involved. However, without your help in achieving quality only so much can actually happen: which is not enough.
HC: Are there any new equality campaigns in the university which you would like to inform our readers about?
Shai: Yes, the ‘We’re Here’ campaign. It is a student led initiative campaigning for and promoting well being on campus. It literally means what it says: we are here for those students who need support, mentally and emotionally, and we can offer that. Also, even if the help a student is seeking goes beyond our capacity we can refer the individual to the right resources.
A big thanks to Shai for talking to us and for all the work he is doing to promote equality! If you want to find out a bit more about the ‘We’re Here’ campaign, you can check it out on here:
https://www.facebook.com/Were-Here-999192090123495/?fref=ts&__mref=message