Ellie Keiller (BA Drama and Theatre Arts, 2017)

What motivated you to run for the position of Guild President?

Motivation built up over time, to the point that it just felt very right to be running for election. When I started at Birmingham, I was placed in a newly acquired, off-campus hall of residence and I was very worried that my experience wouldn’t be amazing as students on the Vale and in other big accommodation villages. The Guild absolutely made sure that this wasn’t the case and we had a brilliant freshers experience despite being a bit further away from everything. After this experience, and to improve it even further, I became a Resident’s Associate (RA) for my accommodation. As an RA team, we ran events, campaigns, and socials; I made lots of friends and it just made my time generally amazing. From there, I was involved in the Guild in a range of ways. I was in societies, was a Guild counsellor, then a part-time officer and then, finally, I became President for two years after my degree. It just felt like the right way to give back for my experience and to make a positive difference for others.

What lessons did you learn in your role that have been valuable in your career?

Running such a large and dynamic organisation at such a young age is like no other experience. I felt this at the time but I feel it even more now that I’ve been in the (real) work place for few years. As President, I learnt how to effectively contribute my voice to important discussions, to negotiate with those in important roles, to lead people and to see through ideas to impact. I managed a budget, did strategic planning, experienced governance, chaired boards, navigated conflicts and gave speeches, to name just a few. These skills don’t leave you and they are transferable beyond measure.

What do you consider your biggest achievement during your time as Guild President?

Probably that we won ‘Student Union of the Year’ at the end of my second year as President. I cannot, and do not, claim that to be my own personal achievement, it was a massive team effort and so many amazing people were involved. Knowing that we were considered the best in the UK was a brilliant way to end my time in office.

Can you share a memorable, funny, or poignant story from your time as Guild President?

There are just too many to choose from but one that sticks with me would have to be fostering a student’s fish whilst they were on their year abroad. It was early in my first year as President and we had been joking about getting an officer team pet. A student posted online that they needed their fish taking care of for the year and we jumped on it. Everything was fine for a few months and then one day, the fish looked really grey and it wasn’t swimming. In an absolute panic that we were going to have killed a beloved pet, we set up a separate bowl and attempted to nurse it back to health. I’m pleased to say that after a day in the F-ICU, the fish pulled through. It was just a few more months until the student came back, took the fish home and we could all relax. Safe to say there was no pet in my second year in office.

Second to that, it would have to be taking part in Strictly Brum Dancing for charity. Not only was it amazing fun, but in September this year, I’m marrying the man who was a fellow novice and competitor. I do enjoy, occasionally, reminding him that I took home the Glitterball trophy. I can even still remember some of my Cha, Cha, Cha.

What advice would you give to current and future Guild officers?

Stop doubting yourself, stop feeling afraid to put yourself out there and just give it a go. Even if you run for election and don’t get it, you will have had a truly amazing experience. You will have thought about what you stand for and what you truly believe in and that experience won’t ever leave you. If you do get elected, amazing. Yes, it’s going to be daunting but what great adventure isn’t? You should know that you’re supported by your fellow officers and by a brilliant staff team (both in the Guild and University) and you can really make a difference to students. Enjoy every second!