Rima Amin. A name that has been rolling off the tongues of every City student for the past few weeks… And for good reasons. Following a successful campaign, Rima, recent journalism graduate and current VP of Activities and Development, won the Student Union (SU) presidency. For the first time in over a decade a women now holds the role of Student Union President.
Let’s talk with this ambitious, cheerful and down-to-earth woman about her journey so far, her inspirations and the positive changes she wishes to bring to City University.     Â
Picture by City OnTopic
What were your inspirations to join the Student Union? Working within NUS 3 years prior to running in City’s election showed me how much students unions can do to help students. That inspired me to be part of City’s student union and help students here!
Why did you decide to run as SU president? I love City students. There’s such a diverse range of students from all across the world that makes the atmosphere so exciting. And I’ve loved being able to serve and represent them in the past. We’re at a very exciting time at City where there will be lots of changes. I want to make sure I’m there for City students and continue allowing their voice to be heard.
Before winning the election you were VP of activities and developments. Do you think that has prepared you for the challenge of SU president? The role of students’ union vice-president of activities and development and president differs greatly, as the first one is more student-facing, whereas the second is more about liaising with senior staff within the university. Saying that, I do feel the vice-presidency role prepared me greatly. I got to speak to so many students on a day-to-day level so I know exactly what they want. I also learnt the ins and outs of processes and procedures used in the union and the institution, which is great practical knowledge I will carry forward into my new role.
You’re the first female SU president in eleven years. What struggles, if any, did you face on a personal level as a woman while fighting for the presidency? Struggles included trying to convince others that I was strong enough to take up the role of presidency. I feel woman are so often underestimated and with City’s presidency position being taken up by men for the past 11 years sent out an expectation that it would once again be filled by another man. I never mentioned this through my campaign as I didn’t want people to vote for me because I’m a woman, but I wanted them to vote for me for what I stand for as a woman. Another issue I faced was at times I’d hear people commenting on my looks rather than my policies. I wonder if that would be the case if I were a male candidate.
How did you personally face and cope with the competition? Throughout the campaign I felt it was key to focus on what I was doing. Each time I went out and spoke to students, I learnt something new. I used that to keep adding to my campaign and remind myself why I stood for election.
What have you learnt about yourself during the campaign that you think you can apply to your run as president? Through running a campaign you learn so much about yourself. I learnt the value of retaining moral integrity when tested. What determines who you are is not the circumstances you are placed in but the way in which you react to those circumstances.
As the first female SU President in over a decade what equal opportunities would you like to bring to City? And would you like to give a special message to our female students? In terms of equal opportunities, I’m very excited we have now instated liberation officers – LGBT, Black, Women’s and Disabled. I’d like to support them in establishing strong networks striving for equal opportunities and celebrating diversity. To all the women out there, know that you are capable of achieving anything it is you desire! Don’t let anyone put you down! Be confident. Smile. Us women are capable of incredible things. We just have to overcome barriers that are placed in our way and empower ourselves! Never forget to pursue everything that’s in your heart and mind.
This is also the first time in history that there is an all-female sabbatical team at City. Is the energy different? We’ll all have to wait and find out! For now, I’ll say energy levels are high! Each of us is excited, passionate and determined to show the university and the world what we can do together!
You’ve always been very vocal and active in your support of all sorts of different causes. What are the most pressing issues facing the students at City that you want to shout about? Different students face different issues. What I want to ensure is that all students, no matter what issue they face, know they have a voice and know they have rights. It seems so simple but it’s incredibly important. Giving students a voice creates change but they need confidence to make that happen.
Finally, what are your futures plans? Personally and as SU president? As SU President I have a lot of plans for my time in office: improving students’ community, from the moment they reach City, improving communications about students’ union activity, receiving feedback on implementation of new facilities and providing sessions/seminars to help students empower themselves and know their rights, improving safety in and around university, redesigning the SU website and getting water fountains in the library. After serving as SU president, I hope to pursue a career in journalism. I feel my purpose in life is to communicate truth and tell stories that need telling. Journalism is the perfect industry to do this.