Heidi Wheatley

As an environmental science student, I care greatly about the environment and the impact I have on it and I feel that the knowledge and key skills I am currently learning through my studies can support me in the role of sustainability rep. I’m also a mature student who had many years of work experience before coming to the university which enabled me to really work on my communication skills especially with a variety of different people from different backgrounds. I feel this will support me when discussing environmental issues at the university with staff and students as well as potentially external companies. This previous experience has also enabled me to grow the confidence to discuss ideas and challenge feedback when necessary to ensure that the best outcome is achieved. 

I’m also a big advocate for involving people in decision making and ensuring that their voice, ideas and opinions are heard. Making sure that all ideas are explored, and appropriate feedback is given, trying as much as possible to take forward and ultimately implement student-led ideas.

I understand that we are not all perfect and we all do things that impact the environment in a negative way, but I always like to focus on trying to achieve the things we can do now then dwelling on the things that we can’t do yet. I don’t expect that we can solve all environmental issues at the Uni, but I look forward to supporting and enabling positive change where possible. I also look forward to hearing about the amazing ideas that students have and the areas they feel the university can do better at, enabling change for the future students of Southampton.