Starting College is about much more than your course. It’s about meeting new people, getting involved, having your voice heard and making the most of everything College life has to offer.
At EKC Folkestone College, our Students’ Union (SU) plays an important role in helping students have their say, share their ideas and create opportunities for everyone to get involved in College life.
Leading the SU for another year is Chloe, who is currently studying an Education and Early Years course.
We caught up with Chloe to find out more about her role, what she wants to achieve this year and why she wants every student to feel welcome at College.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your role?
“My name is Chloe Bagley and I’m the Students’ Union President at EKC Folkestone College.
“I’ve been elected for a second year, so I’m really excited to continue in the role and see what we can achieve together.”
What is the Students’ Union?
For Chloe, the Students’ Union is all about bringing students together and making sure everyone’s voice is heard.
She describes it as a welcoming group where students can share their opinions, listen to each other and work together to make college life better, and importantly, Chloe wants everyone to feel like they can get involved.
“Everyone’s welcome to join the Students’ Union,” she says, adding that she’d be more than happy to have lots of students involved.
Whether you’re full of ideas, want to help organise things or simply want to have your say, there’s a place for you within the SU.
What are you most excited about for your second year?
“I’m most excited about inclusivity and getting students to come in and bring their voices,” she said.
“I want to hear what students want and see lots of different things happening across the College. I’d love to have more trips planned and more events taking place at College, so everyone has the opportunity to get involved and take part in something they enjoy.
“Whether you want to join an event, go on a trip, meet new people or simply share an idea, I want there to be opportunities for everyone.”
What’s the biggest thing you want to achieve this year?
“Getting as many student voices as possible,” she said.
“I want to hear everyone’s opinions about the College. That could mean going from classroom to classroom and asking students what they want, what they like and what they don’t like.
“Any feedback is great feedback, and I’ll take answers from any student.”
For Chloe, listening isn’t just about collecting opinions. It’s about thinking about what can actually be done with that feedback and finding solutions that work for students and the College.
She says she enjoys hearing different ideas because they give her something to consider and build on.
Why is listening to students so important?
“Everyone has a different experience at College, which means there isn’t always one answer that works for everyone,” Chloe said.
Chloe wants students to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, even when they have a different opinion from someone else. She describes herself as far from judgemental and says she genuinely enjoys hearing other people’s ideas.
If a student has an issue, Chloe wants to understand what’s behind it and think about how it could be addressed in a way that works for everyone. It’s this open-minded approach that Chloe hopes will encourage more students to speak up and get involved with the SU.
What do you want students to know about you?
Chloe said: “I’m very welcoming and I’m all open arms!
“I want everyone to feel safe and comfortable wherever they are, and I’ll do anything I can to make sure students feel comfortable at College.
“Whether you’ve got an idea for an event, something you’d like to see change, or you simply want to share your experience, I’m here to listen.”
Have your say at College:
The Students’ Union is here to represent students and help make College a place where everyone can feel included, supported and able to get involved.
So, if you’ve got an idea, an opinion or something you’d like to see happen at EKC Folkestone College, don’t be afraid to speak up. Chloe and the Students’ Union want to hear from you.
You don’t need to have all the answers or be the most confident person in the room. Whether you’re suggesting a new event, sharing an idea for a trip, raising something you’d like to see improved or simply telling us what you enjoy about College, your feedback could help shape the student experience for you and your fellow students.
Find out more about the Students’ Union:
Want to get involved, find out what the Students’ Union does or learn more about how you can have your say?
Find out more about the Students’ Union at EKC Folkestone College.
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