Thursday 02-02-2023 - 10:19

In Conversation With: Josh Freestone, UG Academic Officer

Meet Josh Freestone from Josephine Butler College, the incumbent Undergraduate Academic Officer at the Durham Students Union. A Philosophy and Politics Graduate, Josh was accosted by a slew of frustrating social issues, all of which were met only with inaction. He was troubled by his inability to contribute actively to the mitigation of such prominent issues. Consequently, his passionate drive to participate in change and give back to his community and peers led him to contest the Officer role at the SU. He considers this role an unmatched opportunity to campaign on issues that truly make a difference to students.

Reflecting on his campaigning days, Josh fondly recalls the experience as one filled with fun, learning, and growth. With multiple campaign bar crawls, team sessions, and hustings, he found campaigning immensely rewarding as he could articulate his ideas and vision to others. For him, campaigning allowed for interaction and networking with friends, peers, and fellow university students. He believes that through campaigning, he learned valuable information about the needs of Durham University's students and how the university functions. In this process, he also learned about himself and how essential it is to know his own capabilities, speak competently, and take enough breaks.

Having won his role in the election last year, Josh retells the joyful celebration that followed the announcement of his success. He remembers this day as one of genuine pride and fulfilment as he felt that he had achieved a meaningful feat. He mentions that the SU organises a big bash to celebrate the election results, an event with lots of entertainment, drinks, and food.

Throughout his journey as an Officer, he has been engaged in multiple projects in his term. He notes that his involvement in training the decolonisation interns has been particularly rewarding. He is immensely inspired by the sheer passion, talent, and uplifting energy of the faculty representatives and students participating in this project. As a staunch believer in this cause, Josh expresses great enthusiasm and interest in working with the team again this term.

Additionally, he remarks that his campaign regarding student evaluation and exam policies hallmarks his experience as the Undergraduate Academic Officer. Having led several departments to change terms on their proposed exam formats, it has allowed students to learn in ways better suited and reflective of their experience of learning. This campaign created a big difference and proved to be one of Josh's proudest moments in his role.

Though riddled with ups and downs, Josh affirms his tenure to be an enriching learning experience. From building a comprehensive insight into the higher education sector and working relations to learning about his strengths and capabilities, he terms the role as an invaluable opportunity to develop and grow while striving for the betterment of your peers.

He advises self-confidence and belief in your own cause to those contesting for a role in the officer elections. Self-doubt often hinders the process; hence it is imperative to pursue one's cause with relentless passion as others follow suit. He counsels that getting involved is crucial and not letting inexperience hold you back. Josh recounts that as someone who had yet to participate in enough political events, he could build a fresh perspective through his campaigning and, eventually, his role. He stresses the importance of the role as a platform of action, an unrivalled opportunity to right the things that have gone wrong in your own and others' university experience.

If you would like to nominate yourself as an Officer in the Durham SU elections, you can learn more about each of the roles here. You can nominate yourself by filling out this form before 17:00, Thursday, 02 February.