Olta Imami

Over the past year, I have been serving as a student representative for my course, where I have gathered students' opinions and feedback and advocated for their voices to be heard. My efforts have involved close collaboration with other representatives and university staff to enhance the student learning experience and ensure that student opinions are appreciated and play an essential role in shaping our educational environment. Now, I would like to broaden my engagement to encompass university-wide initiatives, specifically focusing on sustainability.

Every day, I think of how my choices impact others and the environment, inspiring me to prioritise social and environmental sustainability. While I may not have all the answers, I am enthusiastic about collaborating with fellow students, the Students’ Union (SUSU), and the university to develop sustainable solutions that will benefit the university community.

As a candidate for Sustainability Faculty Officer, my goal is to facilitate the exchange of student opinions on sustainability issues and to encourage greater involvement in related initiatives. I plan to integrate sustainability themes into various events and activities to raise awareness and foster engagement across campus. Additionally, I would like to support sustainable schemes already implemented at the university, such as the "Too Good To Go" scheme, which reduces food waste and provides affordable meal options for students. I aim to enhance the visibility and accessibility of such programs to ensure they benefit more students and contribute to tackling environmental and social challenges.

Moreover, I am committed to making sustainability accessible to all students, regardless of their prior knowledge. By providing information and resources, I aim to empower students to make sustainable choices in their daily lives.

My passion for sustainability is also deeply intertwined with my degree, where sustainability is a core consideration during the design process of new infrastructure as a civil engineering student.

I often find myself drawn to environmental and social sustainability. For example, in one of my recent projects, I explored how the built environment can foster community and benefit mental health. With support from my professors, I have also deepened my understanding of environmental sustainability, which has equipped me to collaborate effectively with academics. In turn, my experiences will help me enhance the sustainability of Southampton's built environment.

I'm excited about the opportunity to contribute to cultivating a culture of sustainability at our university through the collective efforts of students and the broader community.