Magdalena Rymarczyk is a psychology student running for VP for Communities in this year’s Stirling University Student Union elections. Rymarcyk’s campaign focuses on continuing the work of the current VP for Communities, Justine Pédussel, on issues such as mental health and housing.
Encouraged by a peer recommendation, Rymarczyk reflected on her extensive work with student societies, having a background as a Welfare Officer for the Stirling Musical Theatre Society and her leadership roles in the Art Club, where she served as Vice President and Secretary.
Her background in the union societies has given her hands-on experience in making students feel welcomed and included.
Recognising the impact she had already made, she decided to run for VP for Communities and potentially turn her ideas into tangible policies.
“I initially got told that I was recommended for this position and I thought that I had done a lot of work with the societies and had ideas about how the union could be improved. I thought that if someone seemed to believe that I could do this, then maybe it’s worth a try.” Rymarczyk said.
Her background in the union societies has given her hands-on experience in making students feel ‘welcomed and included’.
One key area Rymarczyk hopes to improve is mental health services. She acknowledges the existing stigmatisation of mental health services that prevent students from seeking help and believes that breaking down the stigma and increasing awareness and accessibility is crucial.
“If the services weren’t stigmatised, then people could actually get the help they need, and with greater demand, the services would be forced to improve,” Rymarczyk said.
Rymarczyk’s approach is straightforward: by normalising mental health discussions and creating safe spaces, students will feel more comfortable seeking support. As demand for these services rises, the university will be forced to improve them, ensuring better student mental health care.
Rymarczyk is a firm believer in rethinking student support services beyond just accessibility. One of her key initiatives involves hosting more informal and engaging events where students can comfortably discuss their mental well-being.
An example of this is the Art Club’s Bob Ross painting night, which provided a relaxed environment for students to connect and talk about mental health in a non-intimidating way.
“One event with the Art Club was a Bob Ross night where we just sat and painted Bob Ross paintings, just fun activities that anyone can join in and discuss well-being in a casual setting,” Rymarczyk said.
Rymarczyk recognises the isolating experience of university life, especially for foreign students. Her aims include creating more welcoming social opportunities that foster a sense of belonging, ensuring that no student feels alone.
In Rymarczyk’s view, leadership is not about dictating but about working collaboratively. She emphasises the importance of teamwork and ensuring that those she leads feel supported and comfortable.
Her prior experience in summer camp leadership roles has reinforced this way of thinking: effective leadership means providing the necessary resources for a team to succeed.
“An important part of being a leader is teamwork. It’s not all about delegating and dictating, it’s about having a productive team to work with. Your goal as a leader is to provide the resources for their achievement.” Rymarczyk said.
Rymarczyk plans open communication and regular check-ins with student societies if elected.
If elected, Rymarczyk’s first actions would focus on direct engagement with students. She aims to organise community-building events and expand the Community Zone fridge to include essentials like toiletries and cleaning supplies.
Recognising the financial struggles many students face, she believes that providing these necessities can relieve some of the stress associated with budgeting on a tight income.
“The community fridge already has food, but I want it to include toiletries, washing-up liquid and shampoo. If students are feeling overwhelmed managing their money, especially if they are only supported by SAAS, this can be hard. If they have something to fall back on while they struggle to afford toilet paper that week, they can go there and have that to hold them off while they can afford things.” Rymarczyk said.
Rymarczyk understands that poor housing can negatively impact other students’ issues, such as mental health, which in turn affects academic performance and overall well-being.
Rather than prioritising one issue over another, she seeks to address all of them collectively and equally.
“Every problem is tied together. Poor housing leads to poor mental health and so on. It all ties together and should all be equally prioritised. Solving all problems is my priority.” Rymarczyk said.
Rymarczyk, if elected, would advocate for skill-building opportunities beyond academics, such as first-aid training and workshops on essential life skills, giving students tools that will benefit them both personally and professionally.
“I stand for supporting mental health services and creating more community within the university, and making the place less isolating. I really stand for more opportunities outside of studies. Things like first-aid training, you’re expected to learn yourself.” Rymarczyk said.
Rymarczyk’s campaign slogan, “Your mind, your vision. Manifest with Magda,” reflects her commitment to empowering students and fostering a supportive environment.
Her extensive experience in student societies, coupled with her dedication to mental health advocacy and community-building initiatives, makes her a strong candidate for VP of Communities.
Voting begins on Tuesday, February 25. Results come out on Thursday, February 27.
Featured Image Credit: Stirling University Student Union.
I am a third-year Politics and Journalism Studies student at the University of Stirling (2022-) and a writer and sub-editor for the Brig for over a year (Nov. 2023-), focusing mainly on political topics.
