Full name: Daisy Watson
Age: 20
Course: Global Sustainable Development, 2nd year.
Talk to us a little about your background…
My journey through uni has been a bit unconventional. I started in 2022 studying Philosophy, but a few weeks later switched to Urban Planning (a bit of a random switch, I know). Due to personal reasons, I ended up having to take a Leave of Absence, but remained in Sheffield for that year working across the city in various hospitality roles. I stayed involved with SU work though; kept my position in Council and different committees, it definitely helped me get through that year. It was a pretty difficult time, but it taught me a lot about myself and Sheffield itself.
Prior to uni, I chaired the Sussex Youth Parliament and worked on policies that made it to Parliament. It ignited a real passion for welfare politics and led me here.
As a first-generation student from a single-parent household, I experienced obstacles entering these spaces, but I am proud of what I’ve achieved so far and I’d like to use any power I have to empower more people to fight for what they believe in.
Why do you want to be SU President?
I’ve experienced the brilliant bits of uni, met some great people and grown a lot as a person. I’m so grateful for these. But equally, I know what it’s like to feel like you’re screaming into a void and asking for help with no one actually listening. I’ve experienced some pretty hard lows because of this. And now, I want to change and improve those experiences for other students, I want #1 SU to mean #1 for everyone in as many ways as possible.
What are your policies, list 5-10 key pledges?
- Remove attendance monitoring at uni
- Increase bursary funds and placement support for all.
- Introduce translation services in the SU and multi-linguistic counselling services.
- Campaign nationally to make student finance & means-testing fit-for-purpose.
- Reinforce a zero-tolerance policy and simplify the process for complaints of harassment or assault.
- Introducing anti-spiking measures to Foundry like free cup covers, spike testing and situationally trained support staff.
- Lobby to fund and expand counselling services at the university, including specialised counselling services.
- Install solar panels on the SU for green energy.
- Conduct an extensive financial review of the SU, to find more money for student initiatives.
- Complete a liberation audit to identify & dismantle barriers faced by marginalised groups.
What makes you different to the other candidates?
I’m the only candidate to sit on SU Council as a councillor this year. I’m Ethical and Environmental Councillor, and also Vice-Chair of Council for the second year running. As the main decision-making body in the SU, it feels like a big advantage to have familiarity with the processes in place and changing making. Similarly, I’m on Sustainability Committee, and previously worked with Welfare Committee, so have experience lobbying the university within a student group.
I am also the only candidate employed in the welfare and academic services at the SU. I’m the Advice Centre Receptionist, and front-facing advisor on any issues academic, money or housing! I’m also an Academic Facilitator who helps advocate for student rights and the removal of barriers within the university.
I love these roles so much, and have gained so many imperative skills for the role of President through them. I understand the structures that exist within the SU, and the university, and have been actively involved in changing them for two years. I’ve shown I’m dedicated to the representation of students in every sector of the SU and university, and I’d apply that approach to President.
What do you think are the main three problems facing students?
- Finances! Everything from affording groceries to finding affordable housing to financial literacy. We need more financial support and education.
- Students’ freedom of activism and free speech being shut down. So many power structures dismiss the rights of students, and it’s a scary reality.
- Sustainability and climate change. We need to be making shifts to greener futures, for everyone.
Three things the University does well?*
- The community that some academics foster is amazing. I’m a part of the Geography Department and they make a lot of space for student/staff interaction which is fab, but it definitely isn’t a universal experience across departments.
- They are also pretty good at hiding behind it’s own institutional power and wealth in the face of conflict. They know they’re hard to reach and don’t do anything to change it.
- The university is great at minimising student welfare and wellbeing. This is especially prominent amidst the University restructure happening. They’re trying to remove welfare services, which is outrageous.
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’d absolutely continue this effort, in fact, I’ve played a role in the efforts this year. I’ve been working with Jo, the current Welfare Officer, alongside Hallam to lobby the Council, companies and mayor for the return of the Zoom Card prices. I’ve gained a lot of insight, and made some great connections with passionate people. If elected, I’d continue this work and push for better transport for students in Sheffield (and hopefully get us an 80p single back)!
My policies align with this too, I’d like to introduce a late night city-wide bus into Sheffield, and have explicitly pledged to lobby for cheaper transport!
What are your interests outside of student politics?
I love all things outdoors – plants, hiking, ecology and sustainable architecture! I’m a huge nerd for it all. I also love a good board game session, and I’m trying to get into arts & crafts a bit more. Can’t go wrong with a good dance or a pub quiz; I love both!
Talk to us about your future… what do you want to do after uni?
I’d like to go into policy surrounding education, social welfare or sustainability. I’m also interested in moving into sustainable architecture. Who knows!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
I’d like to say I’ll be fulfilled, still constantly learning and using my skills to help and support people. I’ve experienced so much change in the last two years, let alone ten, and it’s taken me down so many new roads and opportunities. I’m excited to see what happens! Hopefully SU President will be a part of that journey.
Who would play you in a film of your life?
I thought hard about this, and I feel like I align best with David Tennant. But in a one woman show, with David Tennant playing everyone, including me, as a woman. I like the absurdity of it. But a few friends suggested Emma Stone or Helena Bonham Carter!
You can time travel to any year in history anywhere in the world. Where, when and why?
I’d like to go back in time to see what my mum was up to in her teens and early 20s. I want to get to know her how she was then, learn about her ambitions and goals. It would be such a cool experience. The 70s and 80s seem like they could be fun, and also full of activism, so double whammy!
What living person do you most admire and why?
I’ve had a lot of positive figures in my life, in my communities. I couldn’t pick one, but I am grateful to everyone who’s inspired me to get to this point in my life.
You’ve just been elected SU president. How do you celebrate?
I will definitely call my mum, she’s been a huge inspiration for me and always empowered me to take these opportunities. I’d also hug my friends and have a bit of a cry in the happiest way possible!
What’s your favourite thing about Sheffield?
The fact it’s become home to me. I also LOVE the peak district and the charity shops! I genuinely couldn’t think of a better place to spend these years of my life, I feel a lot of pride being able to live here.