From Shy Beginnings to Student Leader: Kaynat’s Journey with the Students’ Union
In 2023, Kaynat moved to a new country and began an entirely new chapter in her life. That same year, she enrolled in college, starting her IT BTEC Level 1 course. Like many students adjusting to a new environment, everything felt unfamiliar but this was only the beginning of a transformative journey.
Early on, Kaynat decided to step outside her comfort zone by joining the Students’ Union (SU). At the time, she describes herself as quiet, shy, and lacking confidence. Speaking up or taking leadership roles felt far beyond her reach. However, joining the SU would soon change everything.
In her first year, she stood in the leadership elections as an Inspired Campus Leader and won. In this role, she worked passionately to create more inclusive social spaces and engaging events on campus, helping students feel more connected and represented.
Motivated by her experiences, Kaynat ran again in her second year to continue representing Inspired students. During this time, she worked closely with the SU team and President Jack, who became a mentor and role model to her. Through this mentorship, she gained valuable leadership skills, confidence, and a deeper understanding of student representation. She also work closely with Aldrich and Sophia, and attended national conferences and events, expanding her perspective even further.
When Jack’s presidency came to an end, Kaynat made a bold decision to run for SU President in 2025. With determination and a clear vision, she campaigned tirelessly and won with the majority of votes.
As President, her priorities were clear: promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), improving mental health and wellbeing, and empowering student leaders. Her transition into the role was smooth, thanks to her previous involvement with the SU, but she continued to push herself to achieve more.
During her presidency, Kaynat worked closely with the National Union of Students (NUS) and led impactful campaigns. One of her major achievements was the “Fair Deal for Our Future” campaign, where Dudley SU secured the highest number of signatures nationwide, winning a national challenge.
She also launched the Regional Transport Campaign, collaborating with Students’ Union Presidents and officers across the West Midlands. Her mission was to secure fairer, more affordable, and accessible transport for students. This work led to successful lobbying efforts with the government, improved funding, and better bus services. Additionally, her team secured funding through partnerships and worked with the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner to improve student safety on public transport.
Kaynat also contributed to the “Don’t Freeze Our Future” campaign, attending APPG meetings and a lobby day in Westminster to advocate for fair opportunities and protect students’ futures.
Beyond campaigns, she showed a strong commitment to student wellbeing and awareness initiatives. She organised sessions on mental health, helping students understand how to seek support. She also raised awareness about Islamophobia, creating safe spaces for students to learn, ask questions, and understand cultural and religious perspectives.
In partnership with health organisations, Kaynat led campaigns on sexual health, including HIV and STI awareness. These initiatives included educational sessions, awareness stalls, and distribution of resources, helping students gain vital knowledge about prevention and safe practices.
Her leadership extended beyond campus as well. Kaynat supported a community initiative to help Amelia, a young girl battling neuroblastoma, who wished to receive 8,000 birthday cards. Through SU efforts, around 700 handmade cards were collected, showing the power of community and compassion.
She also stepped into regional and national leadership roles, serving as a Regional Leader for the West Midlands with the NUS, working alongside student leaders from colleges and universities. Taking her ambition even further, she ran for the national role of Vice President of Further Education and successfully won.
Reflecting on her journey, Kaynat shares how life-changing the Students’ Union has been for her. Before joining, she was not confident and rarely spoke up. Today, she is a strong, resilient, and empowered leader.
She believes that without the SU, she would not have become the person she is today. The experience gave her self-belief, opened new opportunities, and inspired her to aim higher than she ever imagined.
For Kaynat, the Students’ Union is more than just an organisation it is a community, a support system, and a place she now calls home.
Her message to other students is simple: get involved. The SU has the power to transform lives just as it transformed hers.