My name is Ellie Cairns, and I am studying to be a social worker. 

I applied to be class rep this year because fairness is very important to me. As you’ll be aware, classes are online due to Covid restrictions. As a result, learning is going to throw up some challenges that we will need to work as a class to resolve. I believe I have the skills and commitment to represent class opinion, and work with lecturers, staff and students to ensure everyone is heard. In doing so, I plan to contribute to making this unusual learning process accessible and fair.

I have been a support worker in complex adult disability for over three years. Most of my work is done with people who have severe autism, and cannot communicate verbally. As a result, I have learned to communicate in imaginative and inclusive ways. I plan to use this skill to listen carefully to student concerns, and make sure I understand the reasons behind them. I will also engage with staff in an open and informed way, forming a partnership to make sure changes are made positively.
I have also worked as an illustrator. From this, I learned how to creatively solve problems, and to be flexible in how I think. I plan to transfer these skills by working with the class to find innovative solutions and new ways of making the best of online learning. For example, by organising online tea breaks, where we can have a virtual natter/ pet fashion show with other class members.

Overall, I’m an optimistic, friendly and hardworking person. If you vote for me, I will:
-    Communicate openly.
-    Listen fully. 
-    Represent our brilliant wee class in a way that does us justice. 
-    Find a cure for Covid19 (maybe).