Recently we released our video capturing some of the best moments of the 2021 Festival of Student Governance event which was held at the ICC in Birmingham. We’re listening to the real voices and feedback of the many inspiring young people that attended the two day event, so it was great to catch up with one of our delegates, Cassidy Fieldsend.
Cassidy is a 18 year old student from Eastleigh College in Hampshire, and is currently doing a Foundation Year in Art. Cassidy has been a Student Governor now for several months and her future ambition is to work in entertainment and broadcasting.
Cassidy was kind enough to share her experience of last year’s event:
“Entering the Festival of Student Governance, I really had no idea what to expect. Not only was this kind of event new to me, but I’d only become a student governor recently. I didn’t have many expectations of the role, and being taken to Birmingham to attend an event as big as the Association of Colleges Annual Conference was definitely not what I anticipated!
Leading up to the two-day trip, I didn’t feel too nervous. Nor did I when I was checking into the hotel. But once I headed down to meet everyone else over dinner, the nerves finally kicked in.
The evening meal was kicked off by some fantastic guest speakers – whose inspiring words frightened me to be honest. Listening to them describe not only the next two days, but the coming year, made me realise the gravity and importance of the responsibility I’d taken on.
As a new governor, I was aware I had a lot to learn, but I didn’t realise just how much there was. It felt absolutely impossible.
But the more I listened to everyone around me talk, I realised that I was in the right place; the whole point of this trip was to learn how to be a great governor!
So with a slight change of perspective, my worries were shaped into a determination that would help me get the most of the next day.
After an evening of quizzes, greetings, and games, we all met again over breakfast and then walked to Birmingham’s International Convention Centre for the Association of Colleges Annual Conference.
Now, when I said before that I didn’t know what to expect, I definitely wasn’t anticipating to be welcomed with a strobe-filled interpretive dance piece, illustrating the dangers of the climate crisis.
This thrilling start to the conference was also one of the many ways the event allowed students to showcase their studies.
Alongside the dance students; those studying catering, event management, and more were able to gain experience by working on the event. It was reassuring to see how the FE sector truly believes in those they’re teaching. And as a student attending, it felt great to be seen on the same level as all these professionals.
The rest of our morning focused on clarifying what it means to be a governor. We were taught crucial things regarding our own roles, the function and purpose boards, and the current state of the educational sector. Even the simpler-seeming things, like the language and terminology we’re likely to come across, were incredibly helpful to be taught.
The day was packed full of information but the Unloc team got it across perfectly without it feeling overwhelming. They kept us involved and interested with various activities, including a practice board meeting. As a practical learner, this was such a memorable and valuable way to learn.
We also attended breakout sessions of our own choosing, educating us on topics such as inclusivity, diversity and sustainability.
The support and guidance from the Unloc team was immensely helpful. It was also really comforting to speak with other Student Governors – it was great for us new governors to see that we were all in the same boat, and also to speak to experienced governors who had been in our position.
Being surrounded by all these amazing young people was possibly the most inspiring part of the trip.
In just two days, I went from knowing very little to feeling, not only prepared, but excited about my new responsibilities. The Festival of Student Governance was a great start to what I hope will be a great year as governor!
