Full name: Ronke Ajisola
Age: 19
Course: Law, 3rd year
Talk to us a little bit about your background…
I started university at 16. And no, it’s not because I am the next Einstein. It’s because school finishes earlier in Nigeria. That’s the other thing about me, I am an international student from Nigeria.
I am in my final year of my law degree – which is super exciting and terrifying all at the same time – and I can say ‘thank you’ in 20 different languages. Try me.
Oh, I also work at Western Bank Library (on Thursdays from 4:30). Come say hi!
Why do you want to be SU President?
Because I think I’ll be darn good at the role.
What are your policies?
1) More affordable transport
2) Cheaper food at university outlets
3) A better careers service
4) International student representation
What makes you different from the other candidates?
1) I am black (no black person has run for president the whole time I’ve been here).
2) My two main goals for students are to put money back in their pockets (through cheaper transport and food) because it’s a cost of living crisis and to better their after uni experience.
It’s all well and good having a good time at uni but what about after? You need a job. You need transferable skills and you need to know what options are available to you. I think our careers service could be much much much better.
3) I already have a relationship with the vice chancellor which would make it much easier to lobby with him. Don’t believe me? I’ll send you a selfie.
What do you think are the main three problems facing students?
1) Lack of money
2) Surplus of expensive things
3) Need for part time jobs and WORK EXPERIENCE
They may not be your three problems, but I promise they are big problems for a lot of students!
Three things the University does well?
1) Student wellbeing
2) Ripping off international students
3) Inclusive spaces
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?
Of course! The cuts have nearly given me cardiac arrest! I think all students should be able to travel on tram and bus for £1. Or like Manchester and Warwick, for free on some certain lines. It’s the least we can do as ‘The No 1 SU in the UK’.
IT’S A COST OF LIVING CRISIS, What do you mean a tram ride is £2? How?
What are your interests outside of student politics?
Law.
Talk to us about your future… what do you want to do after uni?
Trying to work in corporate London 🙂
Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
2034, senior associate at a law firm, married and pregnant.
Who would play you in a film of your life?
Me. Yes, I can do it all.
You can time travel to any year in history anywhere in the world. Where, when and why?
3005, Nigeria, to see what we make of ourselves.
What living person do you most admire and why?
Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche. Have you ever read half of a yellow sun? No? Go read it. She is also an amazing public speaker and not scared to say her mind.
You’ve just been elected SU president. How do you celebrate?
1) Burst into tears
2) Try to speak
3) Cry again
4) Have a dance party in my flat
What’s your favourite thing about Sheffield?
The experiences that I’ve had in this city. I have laughed, cried, loved and been loved. Even if I don’t win (which I really hope I do, please vote for Ronke), it has been an amazing three years and I would not want it any other way.
Except, maybe, with cheaper transport and food…vote Ronke!