Bringing students together a dream job

Amy Uluave is pleased that students can voice their concerns independently. PHOTO/FILE

This week's Rotorua Daily Post newsmaker is Waiariki Institute of Technology student association president Amy Uluave. The tertiary institute is proposing to merge with the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic.

Tell us about yourself:

I was born and raised in Rotorua. I moved to Melbourne in 2009 with my mum and brother and lived there for five years before I returned home in 2013 to complete my studies. I'm 22 and a Bachelor of Tourism Management student at Waiariki. In my current role as Waiariki Institute of Technology Student Association chairwoman, I represent a student body of over 5000 students across five campuses in the Bay of Plenty region.

How did you get involved with the students association?

I was helping out at orientation week and decided I wanted to be involved in events on campus. I wanted to bring the student life I experienced previously in Melbourne to Rotorua. That's pretty much where it all started back in 2013. I went on to become an executive member for two years and one of the first general student representatives for the Waiariki Student Council in 2014. Last year, in October, I was elected by the student body to become the Waiariki Institute of Technology Student Association chairperson for 2015.

What do you love about your role?

Everything really. It's been nine months since I started in the role. I've learned a lot and the experience in itself has been an eye-opener. But what I love most about the role is knowing students can voice their concerns independently, and we help make that happen and get the best outcomes to their problems. I have a strong team behind me who support me and help create the best student experience covering the three areas of representation, experience and welfare. It's also the little things as well where you can just sit with random groups of students and they know who you are and just start talking about their studies or how the food in the cafe should be cheaper. It's the students who make me love my role-I'm here to represent them and help support them through their journey while studying.

What have been your biggest achievements?

Creating the clubs and societies structure on campus-a fantastic way for students to make new friends, enjoy activities and learn things outside of the classroom. Developing the students association services research project alongside the executive earlier this year
to develop the association's services to better serve students has been an achievement. Outside of the role would have to be starting my careerwith Wai Ora Group of companies as the marketing, sales and promotions executive for the group while studying full-time and being in the role of chairwoman.

What do you love about Rotorua?

The culture and the people-whanau and friends and, most importantly it's home.

Can you tell us three things about yourself most people would not know?

Athletics, especially the events shot put and discuss, were huge influences in my early life and Valerie Adams is still a great role model I admire. My mum is my rock, she keeps me in check and helps me remain grateful and humble for all the opportunities I have been blessed with. Wellington is my favourite city to visit.