Emmanuella Ekpen Okogbenin

Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.

My name is Emmanuella, I’m from Nigeria, I came to the UK in February 2024. I don’t have a background in the health sector, but I’ve run my own hair-braiding business for the last two years alongside my studies. I started by braiding my mum’s hair, then my friends’, then all their friends’ hair too, until I built up quite a strong customer base both in Nigeria and in the UK! I’m also the Newcastle College Students’ Union President, so I feel like I’m progressing well in my studies.

How did you first get involved with the Newcastle College Students' Union?

It was actually quite a funny story! Initially, my friend and I went to the Newcastle College Library to ask about clubs, since my sister was in a photography club in high school so I wanted to see if there was one available here as well. When we got to the library, we saw Meg’s office and then they asked if we wanted a role in the Students’ Union. We didn’t understand what they meant at first, but we went to class not expecting to apply for a role in the Students’ Union, since I thought we were too new to do it. Then after two weeks, we looked again and thought we’d give it a try, since we thought it’d be a fun experience if we did it together. So I applied to be President, ran my campaign and won (I still don’t know how?!) and have been in the position ever since.

What role do you play in the Students’ Union, and what are your duties?

My main duties at President are to represent the students and Student’s Union of Newcastle College, to lead student teams, organise events or invite guest speakers for events, for example I invited someone from the NHS to talk about mental health. I also make sure to demonstrate leadership skills and communicate effectively with the other students, so I go around the students to ask questions and get their feedback on any proposals or projects.

How have your interactions with staff and students at Newcastle College changed through your work with the Students’ Union?

My communication skills have improved a lot. Before I became President, I wasn’t sure how to talk to people, since understanding the accents of certain students and staff at the College was a struggle for me at first, and I also didn’t make eye contact when I talked to people (I had to stare up). Being in the Students’ Union definitely helped me to become more approachable and confident in my communication skills, both with my team and with other students and staff.

What kinds of projects have you worked on as part of the Students’ Union?

I’ve worked on a mental health event and an International Women’s Day event in the last few months. Right now, I’m working on a project designed to educate staff and students about sexual abuse, which involves creating a PowerPoint presentation and a video that will be shown or circulated to other students. Whenever I make something, I have to run it by the staff member who coordinates the Students’ Union, to make sure they’re happy with it, which can be quite nerve-wracking sometimes!

What Students’ Union achievement has made you proudest during your time working for them?

I think I’ll say the International Women’s Day event. We had a high turnout from students at that event, and we invited people from outside the College to come in to give talks or run activities, so I’d call that an achievement! Also, I enjoyed the Remembrance Day Parade, since I had to go up in front of students to give a speech. I remember being so nervous I kept thinking ‘I hope I don’t collapse during this speech!’ but I feel proud of myself because I had to overcome my fears.

In your opinion, what would you change or improve about the Students’ Union if you could?

I think we need to improve how we communicate with normal students, since sometimes it’s very hard to pass a message across the College just using the official channels of the Students’ Union. We need to improve our communication abilities and work on new ways to meet and engage with most students. Personally, I think sending a mass message out on Microsoft Teams isn’t enough, since many students don’t check their Teams accounts regularly – I realised this during my election campaign, since I had to explain to students why I was canvassing because a lot of them didn’t realise the election was happening! I’m bent on improving communication with students, since there’s a lot of important work we do that most students won’t even be aware of, and I think we need to change that.

What advice would you give to any current or future students considering getting involved with the Students’ Union?

I would encourage them to just try! There’s no harm in trying. Most people I’ve known step back from taking the risk and applying for a position because they’re scared. I knew someone who wanted to apply for a position on the Students’ Union, but she was scared and didn’t go for it in the end. If you’re interested in going for a role, there’s no harm in trying – you can do it, you just need to take that step outside your comfort zone and try! I took a risk and became the President – you could too if you want, you just need to try!