Meet Your Department Rep – Sarina Vlaytchev – Media and Journalism
Whilst studying at University, students have the opportunity to represent the needs of students in their course in the form of Class and Department Representatives.
GCU’s Department Reps exist to support the work of Class Representatives and build links between them, their wider School and the Students' Association.
In their role as a Department Rep, they are expected to keep in touch with the Class Representatives in their department and produce a report for the Students' Association once per trimester.
We caught up with our Media and Journalism Department Rep, Sarina Vlaytchev to find out about why she decided to take on the role and learn about her as a person:
What year of study are you in?
“I’m a fourth year BA (Hons) Media and Communications student.”
Why did you decide to become a Department Rep?
“I guess because it’s my final year at University I wanted to make sure I was involved with GCU. Last year, I went to my first Student Voice just to watch and I found it so interesting. It was something I didn’t even know happened and I think many other students would be the same. it’s quite fun to be a part of something and make these changes to the University and try and improve aspects of it.”
What have you been working on as a Department Rep?
“I’ve mainly just been keeping in touch with the students and class reps. We managed to push back a deadline for a piece of coursework that overlapped with another deadline – so that was really good!
I’ve also been attending a lot of meetings and training, which has allowed me to really contribute. It’s allowed me to see what happens behind the scenes and then when something does change, it’s rewarding to know that I helped make that change. It’s nice to know that things we bring up are taken seriously and do result in new things happening across the University.
What would you say to anyone thinking of becoming a Department Rep?
“I would encourage others to definitely get involved. Your opinion and experiences are really looked at as valuable to staff members. If there are specific things you want to improve about the University, then it’s a great way to do it.”
Getting to know Sarina...
What are you most looking forward to in 2021?
“It’s difficult to get your hopes up just now but I would say I’m looking forward to eventually graduating. I don’t know when I’ll be able to do it but it’s an experience I’m looking forward to.”
What is your favourite food?
“Sushi is definitely what I’d go with for that, I love it!”
If you could be one person in the world for the day, who would it be and why?
“Gillian Anderson because my dissertation is based on the breakdown of the stereotypes shown on the TV programme, Sex Education.”
What is the first place you would like to go to on holiday after the pandemic?
“I would say California or somewhere in Australia. I really like the lifestyle associated with living there – it would be good to chill by the beach and take in the general vibe of the place.”
You've been sent to a desert island but can only take one item...what are you taking with you?
“I would say a surfboard, so that I can keep entertained!”
Find out more about Department Reps on the GCU Students’ Association website
By Ross Clark
Got an SHLS or GSBS story? Email me at Ross.Clark@gcu.ac.uk or message me on Twitter