Aisha Qadi
su-vpse@qmul.ac.uk
Tell us a bit about yourself, your role and your time at Queen Mary
I studied a BSc (Hons) degree in Psychology for 3 years at Queen Mary. Unfortunately, I was part of the cohort who had my first year fully online due to COVID, so my initial experience as a university student was not that great. However, I was eager to make up for the lost experience by putting myself out there, more so in my second year (once we returned to the campus). I have had a passion for taking up leadership and extracurricular roles and have been doing this very early on, since my secondary years, so I knew I wanted to get involved with student voice as much as I could.
A month into my first year at QM, I immediately got engaged in a variety of SU and QM roles (despite some of them being during COVID times!). I became a part time officer for 2 years (previously as the SBBS rep and the International rep for S&E), a course rep for 2 years, deputy chair for the student council for 2 years, a PASS mentor, and I was also part of 6 different societies as a committee member throughout the 3 years (I eventually became president of the Arab society in my final year). It felt very natural to take the next step forward by going for the sabbatical officer role, especially with all the experience I gained while doing my undergraduate. More specifically, I have done more roles in the S&E faculty, hence why I chose to run for the Vice President of Science & Engineering position.
Favourite spot on any of our campuses?
The Students’ Union Hub without a doubt. I practically lived there throughout my undergraduate time (I do love Ground Café too).
If you could recommend one thing the Students’ Union has on offer for students to get involved in, what would it be?
I might be biased when I say this, only because I got heavily involved in it, but please do join societies! There are over 300 societies at QMSU, with new ones added each year, which gives you a variety of choices to be able to find your community and to connect with them. Believe me, some of the members you meet may end up becoming your closest friends, and you get to experience some of the best events that societies have to offer such as attending the end of year annual dinners/balls that many cultural societies tend to organise.
Top study tip?
Definitely spend some “trial and error” time to find what works for you in terms of the way you study and the environment you like to be in. Often, we tend to think that there is a certain standard and a “one-rule” method to studying, but even if the craziest methods work out for you, then it works out. For example, unlike most people, I prefer studying in loud places like the Students’ Union hub or Ground Café. I’m not usually the type to enjoy studying in silent spaces (hence why you would probably never see me sit in a library to study).
Tell us about a hobby you do and why you love it
I have enjoyed weightlifting and bodybuilding for many years now. It might be weird (or, you might relate with me), but I find the soreness after a workout really therapeutic and it gives me a motivational boost for the day.
What’s one thing at Queen Mary that you couldn’t live without?
I wouldn’t say exactly ‘couldn’t live without’, but I absolutely love Queenie the campus cat (yes, we have a campus cat, do see her!). I wish I could take her home with me, but I have enough cats as it is (definitely not a threat to QM residences... maybe).
What’s your ideal day out in London?
Gym session, going for a walk around my area (really recommend it), having an iced coffee in Central London, and spending time catching up with family, friends, and my cats!
What’s a piece of advice you’d give to students?
Change will always come and go. As you progress onto each year, and pretty much as you move on in life, you will notice changes within yourself (self-development) and the people you surround yourself with. It can be a mixture of fun, exciting, overwhelming, emotional, and stressful. Sometimes the best thing to do though, is to just embrace everything coming to you and go with the flow to see what direction life takes you in. Before you know it, you’ll realise that everything will fall into place, and everything happens for a reason.
If you could have one superhero power, what would it be?
Power mimicry/power replication would be a great one to have, especially since you can pretty much adapt to any situation and choose the superpower that you need (I hear you need a combination of beneficial superpowers for a role like this).
What are you most looking forward to this year?
I'm really looking forward to the week of the Welcome Fair. To all the Freshers this year, you will have an amazing time at the fair. There are tons of things to do that week, and you get to see all the pop-ups and society stalls. I'm also very keen on connecting with and meeting as many of you as possible. Please feel free to pop by the Students’ Union Hub, have a chat, or even just say hi if you see me around anywhere :)
View my manifesto