Meet your Students’ Union President of EKC Ashford College

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 Ashford 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 this academic year is Charles, who was previously a Class Rep, and is currently studying Level 3 Health and Social Care.

We caught up with Charles to find out more about his role, what he wants to achieve this year and why he wants every student to feel welcome at College.

Why did you run for Students’ Union President?

“I ran for Students’ Union President at EKC Ashford College because I feel like I can become a leader. I have so many characteristics that are key for interacting with other people, that it made me want to feel involved in College life a bit further.

“I was already a class rep but then because I’m an extroverted person and I wanted to know more people, being President would mean everyone can know who I am, what I am for, and what are my ideas.

“Becoming President was the nicest thing that happened to me. I am a joyful person and I just can’t wait to meet new people every day. I can’t wait to hear what they think, I can’t wait to hear what they say, and I feel like now I can push their voice forward to the College.”

What are you most excited for about your year as Students’ Union President?

“I’m mostly excited to be able to be there for people who need it. I’m also excited to provide more of what the College wants.

“I want to make students’ lives in College the best it can be and give them a memorable experience at College.

“I want them to feel comfortable when they come in and I want them to be excited to go to College every single day. I won’t rest until I make that happen.”

What’s something you want to make happen during your time as Students’ Union President?

“So, one thing that I would like to happen at EKC Ashford College is to create a formal prom. For the past few years, a prom as such hasn’t really been a thing at the College and for a lot of people, they want to experience prom more than in just Year 11, so I feel like that’s one of the things that I want to action.

“There’s actually a second thing I want to make happen. I want to provide a yearbook for those who study at EKC Ashford College so that their memories, their faces, can be part of the College for longer. It’s so that the next students of 2028, 2029, 2030 can get to see that for example, this person left a legacy, and they attended EKC Ashford College.”

What’s the one thing you want people to know about you as Students’ Union President?

“One thing I want people to know about me as Students’ Union President is that I’m friendly and a joyful person. If they want anything, they can come to me. I’ll gladly show them around College, I’ll gladly introduce them to other people.

“That’s one thing I love about my role, is that what I do now is provide happiness to other people and bring joy.

“If you feel lonely, just come to me because as Students’ Union President, I’m there to help you.”

What are your career goals after College?

“I’ve always wanted to become a cardiologist, but being at EKC Ashford College has helped me discover other pathways within healthcare, such as midwifery and other health roles.

“I came to this country when I was younger, so had to study at College to improve my English and it’s changed my life for the better.

“Overall, College has made me realise there are lots of different opportunities available to me, so I’m looking forward to exploring those options.”

Thank you to Charles for speaking to us, and we are looking forward to seeing his work in action over the next academic year.

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.

If you’ve got an idea, an opinion or something you’d like to see happen at EKC Ashford College, don’t be afraid to speak up. Charles and the Students’ Union want to hear from you.

Whether you’re suggesting a new event, sharing an idea for a trip, raising something you’d like to see improved or simply telling them what you enjoy about College, your feedback could help shape the student experience for you and your fellow students.

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 Ashford College.