Hi! My name is Cara O’Donnell, and I’m looking forward to representing the MSc Sports Coaching students alongside Mark this year

For a little background about me, I originally studied Music at Edinburgh Napier, and then moved to Manchester for a year, where I was a rowing coach. I’m now back studying in my hometown, and I hope to be a friendly, approachable class rep that you can rely on.

As your class rep, I promise that…

• I will be an approachable, easy-going representative, making it easy for you to let me know all your questions and concerns about the course.
• I will make sure you are listened to - your opinions matter, and together, we can make real changes!
• I’m far from a push-over - you can be assured that I am professional and assertive when required and will ensure the University not only hears and acknowledges the issue but acts on it too.
• I will never pretend that I don’t need help when I do – as your class rep, I can guarantee that I will ask for help when I need it, and never act like I know everything about everything. I will make sure that you get what you need by ensuring that everything is handled following the correct procedures, through the right people, at the right time.
• I will always seek to promote ideas that will ensure we all have the best uni experience possible, especially during these uncertain times. When rules and restrictions change, I will ensure that we are all kept up to date with news from the University, taking some of the pressure off and easing everyone’s stress (uni’s stressful enough!)

I am running for class rep because I want to support people. Right now, with everything that’s going on in the world, life is hard for everyone. Coaching placements are hard to come by, given that most clubs are closed or running at a lesser capacity. Rather than the usual uni experience, we’re having to make do with online lectures, at least for this term, and possible next term too. Basically, Covid has made everything more stressful than it should be. I want to make sure that no one on the course has to deal with any extra, unavoidable stress this year. With me as your class rep, you’re getting someone who wants to make sure we’re all being supported, and who isn’t afraid to stand up and make sure of it.

I’m really looking forward to studying with you all!

(P.S. I will not apologise for the pun)