New beginnings

As a part of the programme we are also going to visit Althing (one of the oldest parliaments in the world) and the President of Iceland. I am particularly delighted to be selected for this course because I am thinking about focusing my final year dissertation research on the role of small states in shaping the internet governance regime. Plus, it means that I get to spend two weeks on this magical island with a very diverse group of students and lecturers from all around Europe.

At the beginning of June I received happy news from the University that I have successfully finished my third year of studies. Although I have not achieved the Deans’ List for Academic Excellence this year (for the first time in three years), I am more than happy with my academic results given the sheer width and depth of material we have managed to cover in the past year. Throughout the year, I chose to specialize in International Political Theory, Globalization and the War on Terrorism, International Relations and the Internet, and Representations of Violent Conflict. The last module was definitely the most difficult, but also most academically stimulating and interesting subject I have ever taken in St Andrews.

As I mentioned in my last blog post, I was elected to the position of Director of Representation in early March, and will officially take office in July. During the four months I have had a number of formal and informal responsibilities: I had a dinner with the Principal of our University, series of meetings with academic staff from Vice Principals to Academic Librarians, and even more meetings with students at which we discussed plans for the next academic year. I was also honoured to be on the selection panel for Teaching Awards in which students nominated their tutors and lecturers for extraordinary commitment to enhancing learning and teaching at the University of St Andrews. We received more than 200 nominations and it was amazing to read through all the fabulous things that teachers do for their students in order to facilitate the learning experience.

The incoming and outgoing teams of sabbaticals in the University of St Andrews Students’ Association.

My induction to the position ended with a two-week-long intensive handover training with my predecessor. In my position, I will be responsible for coordinating student representation to the University and will serve as the ultimate student representative on all major University committees, whether they are about approving new academic modules, building new study spaces, or setting the long-term financial strategy of the University. As a Director of Representation, I will also be a member of the University Court, which is the highest governing body of the University of St Andrews that checks on the Principal’s Office, sets the strategic vision and has a final say in all major decisions taken at the University. On top of that, I will become a trustee of the Students’ Association, and together with my three colleagues will be completely in charge of Freshers’ Week 2014, campaigns, activities, and student events in St Andrews.

However, all this also means that I will have to put a break to my studies for a year because Director of Representation is a one-year-long full-time volunteering position and I will receive a stipend from the University to cover my living expenses. I will then resume my studies in September 2015 and finish my degree in International Relations.

I am really excited to take on this challenge that will give me not only a valuable work experience, but also a brilliant insight in how decision-making functions on all levels within the third oldest university in the English-speaking world. I realize that I would never be able to achieve this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity without the generous support of The Kellner Family Foundation that has supported me so far throughout my first three years at the University of St Andrews. Thank you so much!