Heading to NUS NEC induction has to be one of the most nervous experiences I have found myself in but once there I found my training for the next three days to be thoroughly enjoyable. I really did feel welcomed by NUS and pleased to be elected onto such a positive NEC. It was at this stage that I became one of the co-convenors of the NUS Environmental Campaign, not something I expected to get the opportunity to do but something I am looking forward to taking a key role in this year.

After the NEC induction we had are first NEC meeting and then a just a couple of days later on the 5th I went to Greenwich University, the hosts of the London reception. The atmosphere was extremely positive and it was a really productive networking opportunity for London Officers and the NEC to meet who they are accountable to. Home for a few days until the 12th I left my house on a frosty Monday morning at 5.30am to head to Small Colleges and Institutions Training at the Southampton Institute, my first training event. I cannot over emphasise how important an event this seemed to be, it was amazing to be at an event that recognised the importance of our smallest unions, many HE, where officers budgets for the year started at less £50!!!!

On the 19th I attended my second NEC meeting in Leeds, the day before National Convention. This was a really important NEC, discussing relocation. National Convention itself was a sleep deprived experience that I will never forget, it was great to meet and discuss a true diversity of issues with officers from around the country, to listen to concerns, advice and differing perspectives has helped me enormously in focusing my work for the coming year. I then headed to London to lead a summer camp for young teens aged 13-15, supposed to be my break for the summer I ended up dealing with an outbreak of Gastroenteritis!!!

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