imjon.com

thoughts, ideas, projects and musings

UoB Court

Far too many years ago, I was a student at the University of Bristol here in my home town of, well, Bristol. At the end of my first year, I was delighted to achieve a 2.2, particularly given the less than positive comments on my exam papers (“Are you a future member of the intelligensia”, asked the lecturer and boy I wish I had the right to reply).

I resolved to get involved, to do things, to live the university life a little more than simply drinking, sleeping, eating beans and attending lectures. I wrote for a university paper called Epitome, I stood for election and won and I finally became a sabbactical officer of the students’ union. ‘General Secretary of the Union’ was a great job title then and now. It still raises great questions when in interviews.

Last year I had another urge to get involved and to make the most of my time. Others studied for MAs, I opted to stand for election again, this time to University Court. And I won.

So once a year, I get the opportunity to approve university spending, appoint senior officers, get involved in the future of the university, my alma mater, and if I’m honest, a fine institution. I hope to do more, if time allows.