Full name: Haider Ali Motagam
Age: 25
Course and year of study: Mechanical Engineering, Masters student.
Give us your pitch! Why do you want the job and why should students vote for you?
I want this job due to my vision of creating a more inclusive environment for international students in addition to providing them required language assistance as well as coming up with opportunities of cultural exchange. I have also aimed to advocate the current challenges being faced by international students such as compliance with visa regulations and mental health issues. These are the bases for which students should vote for me.
What’s the biggest challenge facing international students at the moment?
From what I have heard over the years is that the feeling of isolation and homesickness is something that has been felt by students every moment. Specifically by someone who has been away from home for the first time. The other most important challenge is the fear of understanding industry working scenarios and expectations.
The final biggest challenge being faced by international students according to me is compliance with ever changing visa rules within the country. This has currently been creating a panic situation among students due to lack of available guidance and knowledge.
Three words to describe yourself?
Well Dressed. Witty. Dependable.
Who would play you in a film of your life?
Daniel Radcliffe! We have the same specs at least!
If you could spend a year living comfortably in any city in the world, where would it be?
New York City! Haven’t yet figured out which part yet.
What’s your greatest fear?
The feeling of being left out.
What superpower would you choose?
Reading Minds.
You can time travel to any year in history anywhere in the world. Where, when and why?
The place: United States
Year of the history: 16th of November 1846 from when he first entered the White House to Year 1864 to witness Abraham Lincoln’s Presidency era.
Reason for my choice: I would like to time travel to this particular moment because I am of the idea that Abraham Lincoln was one of the leaders in history who actually had power to bring the change and his actions advocated for the same. I would like to go back in time and observe how he made his leadership impactful and persuaded the feeling of change. There are many documentaries available for this event but experiencing an event in real life can never be matched with virtual stories.
P.S. Also to see whether Abraham really fought vampires as brilliantly portrayed by Benjamin Walker!
Film or music? Favourite film/artist depending on your answer?
Both actually because no one is complete without the other. My favourite movie is Harry Potter of course because of the great sound effects and story line!
What do you most like about the UK?
Politeness and attention to detail.
Given the choice… pub, club or cafe? & Name your favourite pub/club/cafe in Sheffield depending on your answer.
Not a pub guy! Come meet me in a park or on a hike!
Which country has the best food?
India definitely.
Which living person do you most admire and why?
My mother. Never backed down no matter what life has thrown at her, and she is forever smiling! Never seen her sad or disappointed face out in public even through tough times. She is the sweetest of all the people you will ever meet and a great cook.
What’s your favourite thing about Sheffield?
Big city, very accessible and has a perfect balance between gloomy and sunny weather!