Full Name: Piotr Zieba
Age: 21
Course & Year of Study: Philosophy, Religion & Ethics
Talk to us a little about your background…
I’m a Pink Polish babe living in the UK and studying Philosophy since the dawn of time. I’m a member of the international and LGBTQ+ community.
As a student with hidden disabilities (OCD and Depression) and an avid climber and residence life mentor (yeah, I’m one of those), I think I’m clearly a full package.
Why do you want to be SU President?
To me, being President means representing and fostering the community and family that I have found in Sheffield. Sheffield has been so important to my character-building and sense of identity and belonging.
I still can’t quite pinpoint what exactly makes this place and its people so special, but I do know that it would be a great privilege for me to nurture and fight for all students in our University.
What are your policies, list 5-10 key pledges?
- Reduce the cost of student bus fares to £1 and introduce student tickets on trams.
- Secure greater funding from the University for clubs and societies; we need more resources to nurture our communities.
- Introduce an app that provides students with the latest advice and tips on making the most out of their money. Weekly financial guides to help you maximise on freebies and offers and manage your money.
- Reform the failing mental health service at the University to improve wait times and access to specialist support. More funding and staff are needed to meet student demand and ensure everyone gets the support we deserve.
- Reward clubs and societies that pursue a greener approach and minimise their climate impact; plant trees for every society that gets 100% of it’s members signing my Green New Deal.
What makes you different to the other candidates?
I strongly believe in compassion. I also have the privilege of being an International student; I moved from Poland at a young age and have lived to experience the situation many international students face.
I understand the complex intersections and issues arising from experiencing different languages, people and cultures.
I can’t say that I understand all the issues facing everyone, but I am aware that the experiences and issues that we face are very complex and require complex solutions.
What do you think are the main three problems facing students?
- Financial Uncertainty – we are struggling to feed ourselves and afford to keep our homes warm. We are supposed to study and immerse ourselves in University opportunities, yet we are forced to work way too many hours and juggle multiple responsibilities.
- Failing Mental Health Support – with a lot of uncertainty in politics, the economy and the global state of affairs, we need more love, more care and more happiness in our community.
- Climate Despair – Student activists are always the revolutionary forces behind major change-making. The current collective frustration is born out of this overwhelming sense of hopelessness from our politicians’ lack of accountability.
Three things the University does well?
- Our SU puts on some really great events and focuses on listening to students’ voices.
- Academic representation and the student council are great places to get student concerns addressed.
- There are many great places to eat and sit in a green space or park.
Forge has reported extensively on the SU’s campaign to reverse the cuts to Zoom Cards – Sheffield’s discount bus & tram travel scheme for young people. Would you continue this effort, and is there anything you would do differently?
I am very conscious that the South Yorkshire Major, Oliver Coppard, is open about the current state of finances in Sheffield.
While I am not expecting much action from him, I am open to working on introducing student bus tickets on trams and lobbying to reduce the price of Bus tickets.
What are your interests outside of student politics?
Making the most cursed meals! I like to keep tabs on global politics, RuPaul, and being a plant lover.
Talk to us about your future… what do you want to do after uni?
Hopefully be your President and work on our awesome community! In the near future, I hope to go abroad for a bit and chase the sun.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
People are at the centre of my compassionate ethos; I hope to be working as a diplomat on the global level or working in the charity sector.
Who would play you in a film of your life?
Hero Fiennes Tiffin – apparently they are sexy and slay; just like me!
You can time travel to any year in history anywhere in the world. Where, when and why?
The OG Cold War; if you can’t tell, I am drawn to drama.
What living person do you most admire and why?
Ellis, from Rep & Org.
You’ve just been elected SU president. How do you celebrate?
I hug my friends, they are the backbone of my campaign and the souls that keep me going when life looks bleak!
What’s your favourite thing about Sheffield?
Controversial maybe, but I love the hills, I love the views and my monster thighs.