Hi, my name is Katie, and I am a second year Accounting and Finance student. 

You might be questioning why you should vote for me to represent the university at the National Conference in Blackpool. You should vote for me because I am an imaginative and innovative thinker who relishes researching new concepts and discovering resolutions to complicated challenges. 

In my view communication is a fundamental component in any flourishing team. Through my work experience and education, I have developed effective communication skills, and I am able to convey points clearly and persuasively to different audiences. I am also a good listener, which aids in my ability to understand a situation and prepare an appropriate response. As well as working simultaneously with others to guarantee that every person is on the same wavelength, I also ensure that all suggestions and thoughts by the team are expressed so that everybody feels their input has a purpose and is valued.  

I want to advocate for students nationally to deal with issues specifically regarding student housing. The increase of student rent in the last two years has gone up by 14.6% whilst maintenance loans have risen by 5.2%. As a result, students are feeling pressured to take extreme measures including working extra hours at the cost of skipping and falling behind at university and even preventing potential students from coming into higher education. In addition to the higher rents, the conditions of these houses are detrimental, leaving them unsafe to live in growing with unmanageable levels of damp and mold. I am fighting for safer housing conditions in student houses specifically in Leeds. I am looking to decrease the number of complaints made by students to their landlords about unsafe conditions 3% by the end of 2024.

Therefore, I would love to continue my engagement in public speaking and leadership events to ensure that students voices are brought to attention.