Introducing Emily Thwaites: the College’s next JCR President

Emily Thwaites, a second-year Geography student, was elected earlier this week by fellow undergraduates to become the new President of the JCR (Junior Common Room, our undergraduate student body). She will take over the role from current President, Will Mason, in January.

Why did you choose to stand for election?

I decided to run as President because I believe it’s an important role and I see a lot of potential within it for making real, meaningful changes for students at the Hall. I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in next term and seeing what I can do for the JCR!

What are you hoping to achieve?

There are many things I would like to achieve, with a focus on increasing inclusivity within JCR activities. I think this can be achieved by making activities more diverse, more accessible and really striving to create a welcoming environment at all events. I would also like to make some bigger changes with regards to mental health resources within College, and living costs for students.

What do you think are the current strengths of the College?

I think Teddy Hall has many strengths as a college; we are a small space with a relatively large student body, so naturally we are quite a social college (as you’re always running into people!). We are also renowned for our sporting prowess, which is amazing, but even more amazing is the support we rally for such sporting events. It shows real ‘Hall spirit’, which is a big part of what makes Teddy Hall such a great place to live and study.

Tell us a little more about yourself, and your interests.

I’m from Derbyshire, where I attended a state school and developed an interest in Geography, which I am now studying here at Teddy. Whilst at school, I was always heavily involved in sports, but my main interests were outside of school, in horse-riding and dance. I have carried these interests with me to university, having been a member of the Oxford University Equestrian Club and competed for their 2nd team last year, though unfortunately this year I am injured. Instead, I have taken on the role of secretary and novice captain, meaning I organise membership and lessons for club members. Within College, I have played hockey and plan to play netball and football once I am physically able. I attend women’s socials and regularly watch sports matches to support our teams.

What do you think might be the most difficult aspect of being JCR President?

I think the biggest challenge of the role will be handling JCR commitments alongside studying for my degree – though I hope to manage this well with some careful organisation and advance planning!

What was the most amusing or unexpected question you were asked in Hustings, and how did you reply?

We were asked to give our best impression of one of the current JCR executive committee members. I butchered an attempt at Will’s accent and impersonated his speech from his own hustings the year before – sorry Will!

Other JCR Committee Posts

Congratulations to the following students, who were also elected:

• Emily Milan (Charities Officer)
• Maia Webb-Hayward (Gender and Sexual Diversity Officer)
• Katerina Konstantinidou (International Officer)
• David Wilkinson and Betty Shuttleworth (Sports Officers)
• Simon Upton (Men’s Welfare)
• Katy Whadcock (Women’s Welfare)
• Richard Anslow and Helena Greening (Access Officers)
• Sorcha Grant and Anna Elliott (Social Secretaries).