Don't Back Down, Back Nat

This year as President has been incredible. Sometimes, literally and for so many reasons.
I never dreamed it would be so difficult or so rewarding.

But, I think it is time for more difficulty and much more reward for all of us.

At Central, having time to eat or sleep can sometimes feel like a luxury, especially during show weeks or when you are in the depths of your dissertation. As a PHD student, you often have to tread a blurry line between staff and student and as an MA student, you are probably trying not to blink and miss your time at Central (at least that's how I felt only having a guaranteed year in office).

So drumming up the energy and focus to think about the multitude of annoyances and frustrations that can come from studying at Central, living in London and dealing with the repercussions of another five years of Tory government can be really tough.

That is why we need to get organised. We need to learn how to make democratic decisions easily and efficiently. We need to find a way that you can easily communicate your problems to those representing you, whether that is course reps, SU officers, your local MP or David bloody Cameron.

Too often this year I have heard the student voice be belittled, undermined or manipulated.
Too often this year, I have been belittled, undermined and manipulated.
But I am ending this year much stronger and much more determined to make sure we are not only heard but listened to.

We need SU officers and course reps who are supported to make the changes you want to see.
We need online referenda so we can make quick decisions when we can't get in a room.
We need a fighting union that refuses to back down.

For all that, please Back Nat.