News Article

Adam - Thank you and Goodbye

Adam has been your Vice President Welfare for 2024-2025. As he says goodbye to the role and Roehampton, he reflects on all he has achieved this year.

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So, this is it. The last blog of the academic year from yours truly.

When I joined this job, all I thought was: oh yeah, I'm going to host a few events and speak a few times to new students and bish bash bosh, jobs a gooden! Oh how I was wrong, this job. What a journey this has been. So many highs and a few lows, but that is what life is like. It’s not going to be all plane sailing all the way. Otherwise, that would be boring and who likes a boring life.

Before I go into what I have achieved this year and my big wins and legacy points. I just want to say a big THANK YOU to every one of you who has supported me this year. I really do hope that you have had a great year and made some good memories.  Now onto my wins this year and memories that will be with me for the rest of my life: 


Campaigns: 

 

Helping out RSU with campaigns has been such an eye-opening experience. I’ve discovered that I have a big aspiration in life: to help people through campaigning. Who knew that social media content and wrangling committee members could be so life-changing?

Being the lead for Black History Month, Movember, LGBTQ+ Month, and assisting in Women’s History Month has taught me more than I ever expected. I’ve learned how to help all kinds of people, from the moustache-growing enthusiasts of Movember (some of whom really should have read the shaving instructions) to the passionate advocates of LGBTQ+ Month. I’ve learned the art of event planning, emergency snack procurement, and the fine art of pretending to know how to work a microphone.

Each campaign has shown me just how different—and yet how similar—we all are. Whether it’s celebrating heritage, championing mental health, or supporting equality, I’ve learned that everyone appreciates a good cause. Most importantly, I’ve realised that making a difference doesn’t always require a superhero cape—sometimes, all you need is a clipboard, a smile, and the ability to survive on caffeine and hope. 


Community Cupboard: 

Working with Irene this year to continue the legacy that Amy has built with the Community Cupboard and seeing's so many students be so generous with donations this year has been such a warm feeling. To say that we have saved over 200kg from waste which is the same weight as Two adult male gorillas, which is still baffling to me. The number of unique items and essentials that are going to be being used again with the new students!  


Speaking at Graduation: 

 

My journey through graduate studies in digital marketing finally reached its conclusion in a moment so emotional, it almost made me forget the countless sleepless nights and last-minute panic attacks. As I confidently (or at least tried to) walked across the graduation stage, a wave of accomplishment and joy hit me like a perfectly targeted ad campaign, representing years of hard work, personal growth, and academic hustle. The highlight was delivering my graduation speech—nothing like standing in front of a crowd, trying to sound wise while hoping you don’t trip over your own words. Sharing my story with my fellow graduates and my proud parents (who were probably just relieved I didn’t embarrass myself) was incredibly moving, especially seeing their beaming faces in the audience.  


College Cup: 

 

And that’s it then! Over the course of the year, we hosted 8 exciting events that brought together a vibrant community of over 400 attendees across all gatherings—proof that people really do like showing up when there’s good company, great vibes, and maybe a snack or two. I want to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who made this year’s College Cup such an incredible success. Your enthusiasm, participation, and support truly made each event memorable and impactful—seriously, you all deserve a medal, or at least a very fancy coffee. It has been inspiring (and occasionally hilarious) to see so many people come together, share their passion, and contribute to the spirit of the College Cup. We couldn’t have achieved this without your energy, commitment, and the occasional dance move that kept the atmosphere lively. Here’s to even more fun, friendship, and fantastic moments next year! 


Hosting the RSU and Sport Awards: 

 

This was such a great moment in time here and I think hands down in my top 3 moments at Roehampton in general. Some of you may know this about me, but for those who don't, I don't exceptionally like public speaking in front of large groups of people. If you told me at the start of the year you are hosting the awards, I'd say you're being stupid. But now I can proudly say I smashed it whilst making people laugh as well. Big up the office quotes that helped me write through that speech. It was such a great send of to such a great year being a sabbatical officer. Thank you to everyone who cheered me on and believed in me from the start.  


Thank You Roehampton Students Union Staff 

Now time for some of the soppy stuff and big thank you for the people who I have worked with this year. And I know exactly who to start here with.

Irene, you have helped me through every stage of my time in the office. She has helped me realize who I am as a person and what I deserve in life. Keep bossing the education position as I know you will, and you are going to smash it!

Imran, for giving me good laughs and a new way to look at life. Thank you for being there for me this year and going and smashing that business idea!

Emily, I don’t know where I would be without you this year, you have give me new insights in how to listen to students and staff as well as given me endless laughs about so much random nonsense. Please keep thriving and slaying.

Carly, I could always rely on you to help me when things got tough and you always knew how to get out of it. Your endless ways of making me feel so wanted in the office always made my day and will always make me laugh. Go and smash that master's degree!

Grace, you have been such an asset this year to me. Following on from my degree, having a person like you by myside and helping me through the marketing aspect has been truly helpful. Keep on thriving with the insta posts!

Rosie, your smile is so contagious, and your energy could light up a room, keep on making the best coffees in the world and lighting up the roehampton community!

AJ, your endless times of giving great recommendations for craft beer places and chats about random stuff always helped me through difficult times.

Matthew, your insights to the bylaws and information about the university is nothing less than amazing. This team is nothing with out you, you are amazing!

Conran, Callum and Josh, for the short time that I have worked with all of you. Its been a new light to the team and all of you have brought something unique to an ever-growing special team.

Last but certainly not least Michael, I really don't know how I would of got through this year with out you. Your insights to absolutely everything always will astonish me. You are taking this Students’ Union to new heights, you should be so proud of yourself!  


And for the last time for me, here is a quote that I heard earlier this month and has made my perception of this job change for so much better:  

“Work is not a curse, it's a chance. A chance you build, to contribute, to be part of something bigger than yourself” 

Thank you again it's been real, Much Love Adam your VP Welfare 2024/25