Full name: Jack Edward Bowley
Age: 21
Course: Aerospace Engineering with PPI, 3rd year
Talk to us a little about your background…
Born and raised in Salford, a kid who loves to explore and connect; friends, outdoors, and opportunities. High school opened up my perception to the intricacies of the wider world around me, facilitating the sustainability ideals that helped me eradicate single use plastics from my school and 87 surrounding schools around the Greater Manchester Area at the age of 15, naming me the first ever winner of the Spirit of Salford Award for Best Environmental Improvement.
Why do you want to be SU President?
Growth. Representing the views of not only my peers, but the wider student body, and the ethics they represent. I want to bring positive and substantial change to our way of life at Sheffield.
What are your policies, list 5-10 key pledges?
- Co-curricular activities (CCA):
I aim to extend the success and opportunities these CCA projects bring to other departments outside of engineering, fostering innovation and the ability for students to visualise their passions and take control in its development.
- Sustainability Advancement:
I am committed to advancing the current SU President Lily’s Sustainability Initiative, promoting environmental consciousness and positive change.
- Mental Health Services:
I am dedicated to enhancing the mental health services provided at the University, to focus on improving support structures across the University, addressing a broader spectrum of mental health needs ensuring the well-being of our student body.
- Efficient Incident Reporting in Sports:
I advocate for the refinement of incident reporting, aiming for increased efficiency in response, support, and resolution. This initiative is crucial for fostering a safer and more accountable sports community.
- Worldly Discussions and Financial Literacy Support:
After my visit to The University of Oxford, I am inspired to integrate a similar structure for their Vice-Chancellor talks. Creating a platform that will serve to improve our understanding of topics such as climate change and economic shifts, to empower students with comprehensive information and support for navigating student life amidst a recession.
What makes you different to the other candidates?
Unfortunately, I’ve not had the opportunity to learn about the other candidates values, yet I know the skills I can offer will be beneficial; driven and hard-working, focused and passionate, optimistic, empathetic.
What do you think are the main three problems facing students?
- Lack of Financial Literacy
- Mental Wellbeing
- Limited sense of Community
Three things the University does well?
- Despite the often long waiting times, comparatively, the University Health Service supports all students and does so reliably.
- Opportunities for student-led projects within the Engineering Department are an incredible way of exploring your interests and passions. Given the chance, I would expand this University wide.
- The ever expanding role of students across some levels of decision making within the University, and allowing roles such as full-time officers to have such impact.
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! I would continue this effort, and I support Jo Campling, and their initiative to expand the accessibility to all students within the University instead of the age restrictions. Given the vibrant and growing community of mature and post-graduate students, it’s important we extend these benefits to all our students.
What are your interests outside of student politics?
A great passion of mine is Romantic Era Classical Music and playing these pieces on the piano. Over the past year, I have gotten into Rock Climbing with a few of my friends. I enjoy cooking, and currently trying to expand my knowledge of different cultures through food. I am always looking to improve and grow my skills as well as explore new avenues.
Talk to us about your future… what do you want to do after uni?
I hope to continue my efforts on my current satellite project SunSat to which I have the privilege of leading this year, as well as using the skills I’ve gained to push to the next level within this space.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I hope I don’t lose my passion, I hope to be more sure of who I am, I hope I am still in regular contact with the friends I made here at Sheffield.
Who would play you in a film of your life?
Keanu Reeves
You can time travel to any year in history anywhere in the world. Where, when and why?
1835, Ballade no.1 by Chopin was just published, I would love to hear him play that piece.
What living person do you most admire and why?
My parents, for their support.
You’ve just been elected SU president. How do you celebrate?
I would have a nice quiet meal with my friends.
What’s your favourite thing about Sheffield?
The people, the interactions, and the memories I have made in the city.