Trying to contribute to stability in an unstable time.
Hi :-) I’m Anvika (he/him), a final-year Popular Music student.
Bio / credentials.
Moved here from India at 14 for my studies. I’m a trans-man who loves to make music, crochet, draw, write – and seek structures to help me foster a safe student life and community.
Have been a student councillor at through school, BAME rep for Drama Society, treasurer for the Leopard Newspaper and secretary for the Desi Society. I have veritable experience in organizing events, maintaining professionalism / communication and calm in tumultuous situations (because there’s always something!). Basically, I have lots to give and commit 110% to the things I do, because I believe that caring a lot can seldom be a bad thing.
What will I do?
Aspects of our identity should not warrant attention unless prompted. However, the reality is that POC, including but not limited to International students, LGBTQIA+ students, Neurodivergent and Disabled students still face discrimination, systemic or not.
Everyone deserves to have community, fun and make mistakes to learn and grow – the ideals of a University lifestyle. This should not have a higher cost if students are part of one or more of the outlined groups.
It’s common for students to feel unmoored and question the utility / ROI of their degree. Goldsmiths, like all other universities, has undergone dramatic changes/ stressors – and the people within who just want to work and/or learn bear the brunt.
Similarly, external stressors like legislature, visas, finance, housing, health, family, etc. on top of enrollment and workload further off-set what is supposed to be a safe space and time for finding belonging and themselves.
My goal is to ensure students have easy and clear access to all systems Goldsmiths has in place to help with the above – and are supported at every step. I aim to provide stability in an unstable time. The primary purpose of learning in university should not and will be impeded - how?
Community
Goldsmiths has its issues, but within the architecture are people who really care. Students who are passionate about their subject, or teachers and part-time workers staying despite cuts to the staff. I want to ensure it's not in vain. Magical things happen when this care is recognized and supported – especially by a strong team.
Partaking in a myriad of activities allows me close personal ties and professional ones. I understand the importance of prompt communication, which will enable me to proactively articulate and champion students’ liberation and needs. Proficiency in the language of finance, funding and KPIs is necessary so that students and workers can get the best out of Goldsmiths, and it is something I will learn diligently.
Using my spine
Affability ≠ spinelessness. Stubbornness, neurodivergence and a South-Asian upbringing have led to a person that is not afraid of making my point heard. I will not be satisfied unless I am making it even incrementally more comfortable and safe. In short, I will not hesitate to tell the system you asked for no pickles on your burger.
Listening and Feedback
Proactively listening to student-experiences will be my foundation. I am cognizant that there’s surmountable red-tape around making tangible change. This oftentimes leads to disillusionment – but here, students can elect people who truly a) know students and are accessible, b) care and c) are committed to making changes that we can challenge and evaluate. I will self-evaluate at every step to ensure I am effective with my job– the onus is not on you again. But for criticism, feedback and even just conversation – I will be readily available + receptive.