President

Diya Mary Selastin

su-president@qmul.ac.uk

Tell us a bit about yourself, your role and your time at Queen Mary

Hi everyone, I’m Diya and I’m your Queen Mary Students’ Union President. I came to London a little more than two years ago, and I’m an International Student from Abu Dhabi studying law. I’m also the first Indian, international student (and probably the youngest) to become President. Although I only arrived in late October, it’s safe to say I got involved with the Students’ Union early on. In my first year, I was the Outreach Officer for the Cross Cultural Activities Society and the Legal Bar Society. In my second year, I restarted the Women in Law society which is now a close-knit community that is doing incredibly well. I was also the Vice-President (& Treasurer for a few months) of the Law Society and the President of my faith group, the Catholic Society. I have always been passionate about student representation and was the elected representative for International Students in HSS and was the Deputy Chair of the Student Council so as one may guess… I ended up running for President that Spring and so happy and blessed to be here now!

Favourite spot on any of our campuses?

The Chapel at St.Benet’s Chaplaincy and the Students’ Union Hub ofc ;)

If you could recommend one thing the Students’ Union has on offer for students to get involved in, what would it be?

Being a student representative and Get Active Sports sessions.

Top study tip?

Eat the frog, complete the hardest bit first! Find what study method works best for you and follow that through and you’ll be more than fine :)

Tell us about a hobby you do and why you love it?

I really like to play sports and keep myself active. I used to compete in martial arts like Kickboxing when I was younger, and I have trained with BL Badminton Society. I don’t do much competitive sport anymore but recently I’ve really enjoyed climbing, ice skating and mini golf and I even tried cricket!

What’s one thing at Queen Mary that you couldn’t live without? ?

My friends, definitely!

What’s your ideal day out in London?

Good food, long walks, matcha in my hand and great company.

What’s a piece of advice you’d give students?

Fear is only a perception in your mind, and when you become fearless your university life becomes limitless. May this be your sign to absolutely go for it!

If you could have one superhero power, what would it be?

The power to instantly heal people because therapy is expensive mate, but that’s why we also have our free ACS service.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

Doing my best to represent YOU, yes you in the most authentic way possible and making the SU a better and more accessible place for all of us!