Is Skövde a small or a large town? The new Chair and Deputy Chair of the Student Union have different views on the matter. However, Niklas Korshöj and Elvira Stenman agree that they face an exciting and important year. They are now leading the Student Union, and when it comes to union work, they are no beginners.
Chair and Deputy Chair of the Student Union. Niklas Korshöj and Elivra Stenman.
Niklas Korshöj came to Skövde from Gothenburg to study User Experience Design. He had already decided to evaluate his study town based on the availability of Asian restaurants. Skövde felt small but had at least ten Asian kitchens running. Thus, Skövde proved to be a good place to study. Elvira Stenman came to Skövde from Storfors to study social psychology. She focused on the impression she got from her new hometown. At first, Skövde felt huge, but on the University campus she was met with warmth and appreciation. Thus, Skövde was also a good study town for Elvira.
Niklas and Elvira have both completed their studies. But they are staying in Skövde, since as of 1 July they are Chair and Deputy Chair of the Student Union.
“It has started to sink in that we are now Chair and Deputy Chair. We have launched projects with the Union Board; it is really exciting and I am looking forward to the year ahead,” says Niklas, and Elvira agrees.
“It is fantastic fun, it feels like an honour to be trusted with this role,” she says.
Not Just a Student
For Niklas Korshöj, engagement in the Student Union was natural. He had studied in the United States before coming to Skövde, where he had already been involved in various student activities.
“I have always felt that it is not enough you to simply be a student. You want to be involved in the Union, get to know people, find ways to work together and try to make something better,” he explains.
Elvira Stenman became involved in the Union during her first semester at the University. The role of Deputy Chair suits her well, mainly because of the issues included in the role.
“I have studied a lot about health and wellbeing in my programme. The Union’s Deputy Chair works a lot with student health issues, so this is perfect for me,” she says.
No Beginners
Niklas Korshöj and Elvira Stenman know each other well and have always worked efficiently together. They started almost at the same time in the SköSex Committee and have held various elected positions within the Union’s sections. In other words, they are no beginners in the context of the Student Union.
“It is good to have experience when we meet the University and the municipality. We are entering a large and complex system which I find interesting,” says Niklas.
Elvira agrees and also points out that Union assignments are a way to grow as a person and learn new things.
“Taking on this role offers the potential for personal development. You learn more about yourself as well as about how an institution of higher education functions,” she says.
A Special Year
Niklas and Elvira have taken over the Student Union in Skövde during a special year. Skövde has been named Student City of the Year, and in the spring the General Assembly of the Swedish National Union of Students will be held in the city. At the same time, both Niklas and Elvira have issues that are particularly important to them in their roles. While Elvira is particularly passionate about student health and gender equality, Niklas has student engagement close to his heart.
“Many are involved in the Union at board level, but I would like to show more students that they have the opportunity to become more engaged in the Union. Sometimes, as a student, you may have a great idea but do not know how to realise it. It would be great if such ideas found their way to us,” says Niklas.
Take a Break and Things Will Work Out
On 1 September, around 2,000 new students started at the University of Skövde. Do Niklas and Elvira have any advice for them?
“It will be fine!” says Elvira. “It truly will. Remember to enjoy yourselves. There will be challenging periods in your studies, but everything will turn out fine.
”Niklas reflects on a piece of advice he once gave to a fellow student just as he was starting his studies in Skövde. The advice was based on Niklas’s previous experiences of higher education. He reminded his friend to take breaks from studying and let the brain rest. The friend later came back and said that it was the best advice he had ever received.
“So that is the advice I would also like to give to the University’s students. Take a break from your studies now and then, let your brain rest and get involved in something you find enjoyable,” Niklas concludes.
