Hi I'm Bethany

Hiya! I’m Bethany, your Vice President Education and Welfare (Uxbridge and Aylesbury) for the 24/25 period.

I studied Sports Psychology at BNU and will be attending graduation later in July.

During my time here at BNU I was heavily involved in many aspects of the Students’ Union - societies, clubs, volunteering, representation, recreational and skill development. Thanks to The Big Deal, I was able to be involved in all these opportunities and more! 

I took part in many volunteering opportunities earning bronze, silver, gold and platinum awards. These were some fantastic opportunities to be involved with and I have developed many skills; my confidence has grown, and my decision making and communication skills have greatly developed through volunteering. I have made many friends and have met so many people from being involved, and many of these friendships will be long lasting. Amongst the volunteering opportunities and others, I was truly honoured to be awarded the Ruth Gunstone Volunteer of the Year Award, at the 15^th Annual Union Awards. 

In my final year of study, I was the secretary for two accredited societies (Bucks Musical Theatre and BNU Psychology), where I was nominated and shortlisted for Society Member of the Year at Union Awards. Bucks Musical Theatre received the Union Award for Society of the year 23/34! Being a part of these committees was fantastic! I loved every second of it, from planning sessions, putting on performances, or just having a chat. Society membership was a big role in my personal development. 

Away from university life, I am known as an injury magnet. I love sport. I was on the Women’s Hockey team in my first and second years, as their “super sub”. Being called in as a last-minute sub or runner. I hadn’t played hockey in many years, and the environment these women welcomed me into was a great feeling. I was glad to have been a part of it and they let me run around. I was also a member of Bucks WFC. I joined the team very late into my final year and loved every single second of it! I was honoured to receive the Players’ Player Award for the club. It was truly a wonderful experience and one I hope to experience again one day. This squad supported me, and we pulled a varsity win! 

I was a student rep for my course strands (psychology) for 2 years, achieving gold accreditation in my first year as a rep, and achieving platinum accreditation as a student rep in my final year! I also took on the mantle of School Officer for Human and Social Sciences in my final year., where I gained an abundance of knowledge and understanding of the university experience.  These were great opportunities and really gave me the confidence boost to put myself forward to run as a Sabbatical Officer.

Being part of the SU opened many pathways for me and gave me the confidence to push beyond my boundaries and try new things. I like helping people where I can and want to support students however I can. I want to support students in expanding their boundaries to try new things and put themselves forward for leadership roles. I want to support students’ wellbeing and knowing what they can do and where they can find support. 

I’m looking forward to my term in office and look forward to supporting students. I can’t wait to meet you all and support you, ensuring that your education is all about you!

Bethany Jackson
Vice President, Education & Wellbeing (Uxbridge and Aylesbury) 2024-25