“Any Change is Big in This Movement”

An Interview With Outgoing Student Officer Sai

By Emily Reid

(Photo Credit / Sai Shraddha S Viswanathan)

How would you summarise your time at University and as a student officer? 

Sai Shraddha S Viswanathan came to the University of Aberdeen in 2021 to study for a Master's degree in Psychology. In 2022, she ran for the position of Vice President for Welfare. The role was, at first, far more political than Sai had expected, regarding the connections that were made with governmental figures, the local council and other universities. For Sai, it was nice to be able to learn a lot about British politics, as well as what she could do to help the student population. “I would definitely recommend it for those who want to get into politics or if anyone wants to fight for change or look to change management.” 

What are you most proud of? 

Sai was most proud of being elected into the position and having someone who looked like her in that role. As an international student, it was important for her to have people from that demographic be able to resonate with her and feel like they could communicate more comfortably. To Sai, it made a big difference. “Because I think there is so much you would have wanted for yourself that you can do, you can make change for a lot of people.” 

Sai has also been very proud of the campaigns which she took part in. These include work undertaken on a national level, such as supporting ‘Save Our Councillors’, the Mental Health Campaign and ‘Save Modern Languages’. “I think I’m just proud of being a part of this team.” She spoke fondly of her work with other student officers at the Student Union. In regard to their inspiring work on mental health around the university, she felt that the best part was liaising with the other prominent universities in Aberdeen, Nescol and NUS Scotland; cultivating and strengthening their relationships with them. Hosting a rally in collaboration with NUS Scotland, writing to MSPs and reaching out to the First Minister was especially memorable for her. 

Are you excited about your journey to NUS Scotland? 

Sai is excited and grateful, and is set to join NUS Scotland soon. “I think it was a very tough competition, it was very close, but I’m really grateful for the people who voted for me.” Although she expressed excitement, Sai also admitted she was nervous. Nevertheless, she looks forward to her journey, approaching it with an open mind and an eagerness to learn as much as she can. 

What do you hope to accomplish at NUS Scotland, and what kind of change do you want to bring about for students?

Sai hopes to bring about change by putting student voices at the forefront. She spoke of how we have a big upper hand in shaping a lot of students’ futures with the general election coming up this year. Sai highlighted the depleting rates of international students and how this is a big hit for the UK economy. She is worried that international students are also seen as just numbers, something she considers dehumanising. Instead, Sai believes that looking at them holistically as people and centring their experiences with their voices will make a difference. She expressed concern not only for international students but also those from rural communities, such as the Highlands, as well as those who have come from different demographics such as carers. From her own experience, Sai felt as though the university often favoured those from a more comfortable background and emphasised the importance of having all student voices at the forefront.

Do you have any comments for students wanting to get more involved with the University and the Student Union? 

When asked if she had any messages for students thinking of getting more involved within the Student Union, Sai responded; “I think if they have a vision, definitely they should get involved. If you’re keen on making change at any degree, this is a good platform for you to start.” 

In her role, along with those in her team, the access to networks and what you can do with them is valuable. “Any change is big change in this movement, because you’re making students’ lives better.” Sai also emphasised that although it is a good opportunity, it is also important to take care of yourself throughout the journey. “It can be difficult,” she added, “take time in finding your feet.” 

Is there anything else you would like to say?

What Sai wishes for most is that anyone coming into this position feels safe and heard, irrespective of their backgrounds. “If they want to make a change I would just want them to feel like they could just make positive change as much as they’d like to.” Sai also encouraged having fun with the role. “That’s for my successor, Karim. Big shoutout to him.” 

For a role that comes with many challenges, Sai advised finding a balance of having fun with the role while also making positive change.