The Middlesex Echo, Issue 2

The Middlesex Echo celebrates with you the END OF THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2018/19 & OUR FIRST YEAR OF PUBLICATION

#MadeinMDX 2018/19 ALL PHOTOS: MDXSU

Issue 2, april 2019

MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWSPAPER

free, from pow! media

The Middlesex Echo What’s your next step?

FIND ON PAGE 14

just finished your exams? unsure what to do next? we have asked experienced students & alumni for their advice on the best next steps for you!

?

The prevalent Impotence of the 21st century thought.

COMMENTARY | OPINION | What can be done about climate change?

BLAZEJ WARTALSKI Everyone knows that climate change is happening. We have heard about multiple reports by desperate scientists urging world leaders to take action. The situation is indisputable – we are destroying our planet, and at this point only fools and con-men disagree.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 PHOTO: MDXSU

“the least aggressive elections period our student union has had” STUDENT LIFE | NEWS | MDXSU Chief Executive Ed Marsh pleased with elections conduct despite cheating accusations.

MELISSA NABRE & NATALIE ROSE Ed Marsh, Chief Executive for Middlesex University’s Students’ Union, stated during his opening speech of the Elections Results Night 2019 that he was “proud” of the conduct of the candidates in this

NO MORE VICTIMHOOD

year’s union elections. He stated that it was the “least aggressive elections period our student union has had”.

His statement seemed to reflect on previous elections, specifically

A WHOLE LOT Page 3 OF TALENT

the 2017 elections, when three candidates for the full-time positions were disqualified from running mid-way through the elections.

Middlesex University’s Students’ Union have stated that in 2017 they “received a number of complains which were all investigated in line with our elections complaints procedure” and that, following this, three candidates were “removed”.

Although the students’ union cannot comment on the individual complaints, students who were close to the election told us that the

Interview: our Page 12 new su president

Page 16

disqualified candidates were caught breaking rules such as campaigning in student accommodation, destroying the promotional material for their competitors and hassling students to post videos on social media to promote their campaign.

Ed Marsh’s statement at the awards night was despite accusations from several students of some campaign teams for the 2019 elections bending the rules.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

@MDXEcho

Issue 2, april 2019

MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWSPAPER

editorial | pg2

SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER!

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

CONTACT US

editorial | Introduction from the Editor, Designer & Founder of The Middlesex Echo. A farewell message to the year gone, and a promise of things to come.

NATALIE ROSE

News & Politics No More Victimhood. AaronFenton Hewitt, Page 3

EDITORIAL TEAM General Inquiries powmag@mdxsu.com

Lifestyle & Entertainment Learning how to play without having to pay. Johnathan McGrath Osborne, Page 4

Natalie Rose Editor & Designer NR558@live.mdx.ac.uk

Summer is almost here, and I have really begun to feel it. I’m not sure

else except for here – at Middlesex University.

if it’s the warm air, the green that’s

Only at Middlesex could I have

reappearing all around me, or the

been presented the opportunity so

fact that deadlines and exams are

early to be Head of Magazine. Only

all done and dusted for the year; but

at Middlesex could I have been

there’s definitely a sense of freedom

given the chance to create my own

in the air!

newspaper! There is a certain beauty with

in crafting something yourself, in

summer comes the end to a

building it from the ground and

publishing year. That means this

making it an actual product. There

will be the last printed issue of The

is an amazing satisfaction and

Middlesex Echo until we return in

gratification in it, and I could not

September for the next academic

have accomplished this anywhere

year.

else.

Unfortunately

though,

During the process of creating

To my team, I would like to say

this issue, I was elected as Editor

a massive thank you – for always

of The Middlesex Echo. This is the

pushing me to learn more, and for

first time the role has been filled in

working with me every step of the

this way, and it fills me with great

way to build this. I could not have

pride and honour that the members

achieved anything without the

of POW! Media would choose me

inspiration and drive you provided

to lead them for another year.

me with.

It is then with a retrospective air

To the Students’ Union Officers

that I reflect on my past year with

who have worked alongside me,

the Echo, and hope that the future

I will forever be in your debt.

can bring me similar delights and

You have challenged and pushed

accomplishments.

me, guided and educated me, and

Dying to be signed? Neil Tucker, Page 5 Commentary Smoke Without Fire. AaronFenton Hewitt, Page 7 The prevalent impotence of the 21st century thought. Blazej Wartalski, Pages 1 & 8 No more ‘hush, hush’. Melissa Nabre, Page 8 Student Life “the least aggressive elections period our student union has had” Melissa Nabre & Natalie Rose, Pages 1 & 10 You Could Say I Was #MADEINMDX. Erica Ramos, Page 11 The Life of an Erasmus Student.

Irina Shtreis, Page 11 Talkin ‘bout my Generation.

Yvonne Alexander-Taylor, Page 12 A Whole Lot of Talent. Lisa Hunt, Pages 12-13 What’s Your Next Step? Pages 14-15

The journey has been tough, but

always believed in me. Thank you.

amazingly rewarding. It’s hard

My aim this year was to bring

to believe it was two years ago

journalism to Middlesex University,

now when I was a squeaky young

to provide a source of information

Fresher, so excited to get involved

for students on campus, and a way of

in POW! Media and write for my

every students’ voice being heard. I

University. I have come leaps and

feel I have begun this process, and

bounds from that point, and I know

I hope that The Middlesex Echo

Artwork: Colouring Sheet.

Rebecca Torrie, Pages 17-18

I could not have done it anywhere

continues to strive by this moto.

PUZZLES Page 18

Student Voice Interviews Page 16 Creative Writing: The Running Man. S.K. Guna, Pages 17

André Thompson Student Media Co-Ordinator a.thompson@mdx.ac.uk Lucy Holland Editor-in-Chief l.holland@mdx.ac.uk Recruiting for writers, editors, designers and photographers.

BUSINESS TEAM For all advertising, marketing and events inquiries, use our general inquiries email.

Recruiting for marketing, finance and legal.

SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: @mdxecho Twitter: @mdxecho

CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS The Middlesex Echo aims to produce entirely accurate content, but mistakes are innevitable. If you spot anything you consider to be false or inaccurate, please email powmag@mdxsu.com and include the article and the issue number.

The Middlesex Echo follows the IPSO Editors’ Code of Practice, the NUJ Code of Conduct and The Samaritans Media Guidelines for reporting on Suicide.

The opinions expressed by contributors do not represent that of the editors or of the Students’ Union.

Issue 2, april 2019

MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWSPAPER

NEWS & POLITICS | pg3

PHOTO: PEXELS

NO MORE VICTIMHOOD

had a community that loved and cared for me. Yes, I had a relationship with my father (which is vital; knowing NEWS & POLITICS | FEATURE | Knife crime statistics are who he is isn’t the same). But, I rising, but why? don’t see these things as particularly AARON FENTON-HEWITT praiseworthy or something that I Knife crime in London has reached right and wrong. Putting the religious should be disproportionally thankful epic proportions, and not in a good beliefs aside for a moment, there were for. I expect my parents to instil values way. Is it too late to suggest that it’s good, wholesome values that were in me. I expect to have a relationship an epidemic? Because it just might be. instilled into me from an early age. with my father. These are not things According to the BBC, knife crime It’s something that I’ll carry to my is at its highest level since 1946 in grave. It’s part of me now; I couldn’t England and Wales. There have been ignore those values if I tried.

Have we really 245 homicides by knives or sharp Sometimes it’s hard for me to set the bar so instruments as of March 2018. One in remember that not everyone has had it low for ourselves four victims were men aged 18-24, and as good as I have, but then I think, have that we consider good parenting and envi' 25% of victims were black. Not that I actually had it that good? The values ronments as the ex' race should have anything to do with are one thing, but the environment I ception, not the rule? it, but I do fear for my community. was brought up in wasn’t as good as As a young man of Caribbean it should be. Single parent household. heritage, the stats show that I am Merciless bullying during secondary disproportionally more likely to be school. I did have a relationship with that should be so rare that people killed by stabbing than any other my father though, which is important should be jealous of me for having community. This is worrying, for me to mention. them. and my Afro-Caribbean brethren.

I question all of these things because Have we really set the bar so low Being brought up in a conservative I refuse to set the bar so low for for ourselves that we consider good Christian household, it was pretty myself. Yes, I grew up in church. Yes, parenting and environments as the straightforward for me when it came to I had values instilled into me. Yes, I

“

exception, and not the rule? Because if we have, we’re in deep trouble.

Ultimately, in my opinion, it’s all to do with your mindset. As much as I agree with the fact that other factors can have an effect on a person, there is always a choice. Everybody has a choice. Everybody is in control of their own destiny. You do not have to allow yourself to become a victim of your circumstances.

The reason why we admire people like Oprah Winfrey because, despite adversity and all the odds being stacked against them, they persevered, hung on and made something of themselves. That’s how we grow as people.

Success cannot be enjoyed without failure. At some point in our lives, we will fail. We will make mistakes.

We will stumble. We will fall. It’s inevitable. Our true strength is in our determination to pick ourselves up, and keep going.

If at first you don’t succeed, try try again.

Issue 2, april 2019

L&E | pg4

MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWSPAPER

Lifestyle & Entertainment Learning to play without having to pay

Also, when you see an external accurate. issue with your guitar, it is best to fix it yourself. So invest in a pair of

lifestyle & entertainment | A simple guide for learning wire cutters and screwdrivers. These how to play an instrument on a student budget. will enable you to freely cut strings JOHNATHAN MCGRATH-OSBORNE Playing an instrument is a great way daunting when you are far from home, to meet new people and discover new but this is by far the best way to learn. places, especially when at university.

Normally, you’ll be able to find

and adjust the bridge height without forking out unnecessary maintenance fees.

but there are also groups you can find

friends.

on websites such as MeetUp.

and busy schedules, learning an instrument can be perceived as a pipe dream to many.

3. Tuning I have kept this separate as it is an important aspect of playing.

However, with budget constraints

While it is fun to mess around

2. Maintenance While

instrument

maintenance

with different tunings, I recommend

varies between the various types, it keeping to standard tuning (EADGBE)

With this list of tips, you should can be a costly expense, especially

I would advise that, while it is important to have an understanding of music theory, formal sheet music when you are first learning (especially if you’re self-teaching) will cause

Having a mutual interest to bond over other musicians through university is a fantastic way to create lifelong

4. Sheet Music

while learning for the first time. This is

problems for your enjoyment.

Guitar Tablature (Tabs for short) are a great way to learn the placement of fingers for chords in songs that you want to play, as it basically maps out the strings of the guitar and the number

of the fret you’ll need to finger. Where be able to take advantage of learning while you’re still only learning. For because learning the scales and chords guitar for pleasure in no time.

example, when learning to play guitar, in standard tuning makes it easier for sheet music expects you to understand there will often be strings that snap

1. Networking

and need replacing, or adjustments to you go to other tunings, you will hear

Possibly the most important aspect the bridge that need to be paid for. of playing guitar is networking with people.

you to spot mistakes so that when musical theory, tabs do not and will

For string breakages, don’t feel you

when they don’t sound quite right.

Free tuning apps such as GuitarTuna

need to buy an entire new pack of are available on most smartphones

Actively finding groups of people strings. Instead remember the number but I would personally recommend who play provides you with a free

string you broke and most music investing in a physical chromatic

learning resource and a chance to shops will happily supply you with a tuner as you can plug these straight improve your skills. It may seem single string.

even provide a key to the symbols shown.

The best free tabs are from Ultimate Guitar, a website which gives other musician free reign to see and contribute their own tabs to assist

into your guitar and they are far more learning.

Issue 2, april 2019

MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWSPAPER

L&E | pg5

PHOTO: PEXELS

Dying to be signed? lifestyle & entertainment | A guide on how to break into the music industry, from an industry professional.

NEIL TUCKER I’m constantly hearing from people who have nothing to do with music (apart from knowing Ed Sheeran’s new album) that what I do is redundant, and that you don’t need a record label to be a music artist these days.

While this is technically true, it would be like climbing Everest dragging up a JCB machine with your teeth.

Even one of the most successful artists to have done this, Macklemore, pays a management firm and even employs Warner Bros Records to help with promotion. Another one that I’m frequently told about is Adele, but she doesn’t count as she was actually signed to an Indie label, ‘XL Recordings’.

So what’s the point of a record label then? Why is it so important? A label does all the business side of your career, allowing you to make music and earn a living in a complex multibillion-dollar industry.

So how do you get the attention of a crack team of professionals? How do you get that elusive ‘record deal’?

What even is the right type? Will you get a deal from major label, or will you choose one of its subsidiaries that

might offer an attractive advance but wants a bigger royalty share? Do you want a lesser or non-existent advance from an independent label, perhaps for more royalty share or other perks?

Do you want something from a label like mine where you pay a small fee but get your project, a dedicated team, and the training to be a professional musician?

Well first, let’s get the obvious out of the way. Practise. Please, for the sake of my ears, practise. The amount of submissions I listen to where the artist sounds awful, or whose song writing sounds like the musical equivalent of a children’s colouring book is horrendous.

One particular track called ‘E-mail Lover’ still haunts my nightmares. We are not Meg Ryan from You’ve Got Mail! Become comfortable with your sound and your music in general – this is your passion and you want it to be your livelihood, so embrace it!

The next is related to practising, but get out there! Go busk. Go to your grandparent’s retirement home and play. Go to open mic nights. Go to showcase events. Keep an eye on charity initiatives like ‘Give a Gig’

who are always desperate for artists.

Sign up for talent shows. This gives you experience in front of a crowd, lets you know what works for audiences and what doesn’t. Not only should you just be enjoying it anyway, but you never know who is listening.

A & R (artist and repertoire) representatives, who are basically music scouts, are everywhere. It’s their job to find new music.

The A & R people that I know love buskers and small gigs, because they can see your talent there and then,

“

A

label

does

all

the

business side of your career, allowing you to

make

music

and

earn a living...

everything from stage presence to stamina. Someone might drop a pound in a hat for you, someone might drop a life changing business card.

Next – online presence. It’s such an incredible and important tool but it isn’t a guaranteed magic bullet. Have something you can show people.

Soundcloud, a YouTube channel (occasionally there’s still a Myspace account, oh the nostalgic feels).

Explore all your options. Put up signs when you busk so people can

find you if they like what you here.

There are nowadays A & R scouts who only work digitally, but there is so much material available now that it’s so easy to be missed. So, have an Instagram account for your music where people can keep up to date with your life, but don’t hope that it’s going to be everything you need. Give people who are interested in your music an easy way to fight your case as one more arrow in your quiver.

The music industries are just that, industries. They have trends and influencing factors jus like any other.

Sign up for newsletters and daily briefings from places like CMU, BPI and Music Week. Stay up to date, you never know what you might discover.

You might hear about a new company who you are dying to work with. Then be pro-active, contact them saying why you think they are relevant to you and vice versa, attach demos and links really sell yourself!

All this knowledge will help your confidence when you meet people, are at gigs, or busking (the dreaded word: networking). Get yourself noticed and then let the professional help.

My label Dreamscope Media Group has an artist toolkit you can sign up for, with hints and tips for everything from networking, contracts, to stage presence.

So, get out there, get noticed and make some noise!

Issue 2, april 2019

MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY | pg7

COMMENTARY SMOKE WITHOUT FIRE COMMENTARY | OPINION | Student: MA Writing for Creative & Professional Practice AARON FENTON-HEWITT

Now, Google a guy called Liam as a result of this? Can saying sorry Allan. His life was turned upside resurrect his career prospects? Can an down when he was accused of sexual official statement from the Met help harassment and rape. His accuser –

to fully integrate Liam back into his

who has still not been named at the social circle? Will he ever be able to

There are sixty minutes in an hour. scrutiny or investigation.

time of writing this – accused him of

be fully trusted by a woman or her

The truth has now been hijacked, this, sparking a two-year investigation parents? These are the things that days in a week. Four weeks in a month. and it can be moulded into anything by the police. falsely accused men have to deal with.

Twelve months in a year. Liverpool the person wants.

It turned out the police had not fully Unfortunately, the #MeToo Twenty-four hours in a day. Seven

It angers me because it cheapens recovered and investigated all digital movement has a very nasty side effect; home games. Barack Obama became the actual truth and makes it harder evidence. The case was dropped it has created a hostile environment in the first African-American President for people to try and pick sense from after a computer disk was found, which women are to be believed, until of the United States of America and nonsense, i.e. investigate objectively, which contained tens of thousands of proven that they’re lying, and men are F.C. wear red jerseys during their

served two terms. Theresa May is and therefore affects those who are messages which revealed the alleged to be disbelieved, until proven they’re the current Prime Minister of the actually telling the truth. It scares me victim had been pestering Liam for telling the truth. Men are now guilty United Kingdom (as of 25th March because it has the potential to be a ‘casual sex’, describing Liam as a kind until proven innocent. If a man is 2019). There are four seasons: spring, direct threat to legitimate justice.

person and references to rape fantasies

accused, the onus is no longer on the

summer, autumn and winter. France

and role-playing.

woman to prove he’s lying, it is now

are the most recent winners of the FIFA World Cup. You may be wondering to yourself why I’m saying all these random sentences. I answer you by saying

“

a

As a man in contemporary society, on the man to prove he isn’t. we seem to be faced

cure

that

with is

so

on them does not matter at all. These are facts. Unbiased, objective facts.

With this being said, there is

Has the #MeToo movement gone too

of this calibre, your life is irreparably far? Has it stuck to its original purpose,

uch worse than the

damaged. It affects all aspects of it: which is to bring sexual predators to

disease.

professional, social and of course, justice? Do we really want to live in

this: all of these statements are true.

They are not subjective. My opinion

once you have been accused of a crime

sexual.

Ever since disgraced American film

an environment that is so sterile that

During this investigation, there was men no longer want to associate with

producer Harvey Weinstein was outed crucial evidence being withheld and women unless absolutely necessary as a sexual deviant and predator, the the Met Police offered an apology. But purely out of paranoia that they too

#MeToo movement has taken the that’s not really enough, is it? Even will be wrongfully accused of sexual an attitude that is widespread in world by storm, as we have seen other with the lack of evidence to exonerate assault? contemporary society that both The purpose of the #MeToo powerful men publicly accused and Liam, they still had no hard evidence angers me and scares me, particularly movement was to cleanse the world of later convicted. It is an idea that I fully to prove that he was guilty. held and promoted by filthy-rich Now, as a society, we believe in the disease of sexual predators, but we support: anybody who sexually abuses celebrities and those in the public eye. a person should suffer the appropriate due process and the presumption of seem to be faced with a cure that is so There seems to be an attitude which consequences and victims should innocence until proven guilty and much worse than the disease, which is makes the truth subjective instead receive justice. I don’t think there’s conviction. At least, that’s what we’re quite worrying. of objective, especially concerning I certainly don’t want to live in that a single person alive who would be supposed to believe in. Is an apology sexual assault against women. People enough for the undeserved shame world, but cases like Liam’s prove against this idea. are to be believed without question, and social exile that Liam received sometimes there is smoke without fire.

Issue 2, april 2019

MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWSPAPER

The prevalent Impotence of the 21st century thought.

COMMENTARY | OPINION Continued from Front Page.

BLAZEJ WARTALSKI However, do we really believe in it?

And, if we do, why has no meaningful action has been taken?

Greta Thunberg (the founder of the Youth Strike for Climate movement), a 15-year-old student from Sweden, has recently been nominated for the Nobel Prize for inspiring children from around the globe to walk out from schools, taking their frustration out of the classrooms into the streets, and to protest the general inaction regarding climate change. Let’s be clear – the children know that adults are powerless.

Why are we not able to address the climate change problem? Is it something entirely new for humanity, a world-scale issue almost impossible to comprehend?

This is the time for exploring the unknown, as the degree of cooperation and change is required at levels never seen before. I believe that current nation-states no longer provide us the tools needed to enter the next century without a collapse. Is our impotence in this crisis just an effect of the lack of institutions necessary to find a solution?

To attack our lack of action from another angle, maybe some blame may be directed towards the media?

The rubbish passed as ‘solutions’ by some media outlets – if you recycle plastic or use public transportation, you’re doing your part, and are guiltfree with nothing to worry about.

Great! However, this is a global

NO MORE 'HUSH, HUSH' COMMENTARY | OPINION | A call for drastic changes to our Students’ Union and the way they conduct their elections.

MELISSA NABRE Unfortunately, in comparison to past years, what Ed Marsh said at the beginning of the results night could be considered true. After all, it is not the first time that there have been very politician-like, dirty tricks used to win a position of presidency in the SU. But, even if the specific allegations, which will be mentioned throughout this article, made about this year’s elections process are true, it has still been relatively tame and attracted a lot less attention than previous years.

Regardless of the result of their investigations, that these complaints are even being made by candidates who once wanted to work for the Students’ Union speaks volumes.

Even if they cannot be proven, they can negatively affect both the students at this university and Middlesex University itself.

It could reduce the number of talented people, that could actually

make a difference, from wanting to run for a position that gives them the power to do so. The controversy and negative image of the elections process that appears in light of these claims, even if they turn out not to be true, not only effects the Students’ Union itself, and the image that they portray, but also effects the candidates that do have the courage to run for presidency, by shaking their confidence and making the campaign process seem more ruthless and terrifying.

It also makes us as a university loose face. I mean, who would want to come to a university where the student union has so many rumours about cheating during their elections? How would that make our lives as students better?

It also defeats the purpose of the enjoyment of elections. The elections are supposed to be friendly competition that you’re meant to enjoy, and you are running

COMMENTARY | pg8

problem. Such miniscule efforts don’t accomplish much. The only thing they really achieve is a boost to the ego, “you’re saving mother nature” by doing something miniscule.

Only massive collective effort can change humanity’s course. What is necessary to combat climate change is a massive overhaul of our system and cooperation. The Paris Agreement is nice, but it only takes us an inch, it’s not the solution. Even if the Paris Agreement signatories pledged and stayed true to the target, the temperature would still rise above 2 degrees compared to pre-industrial revolution.

Maybe action is not being taken because of our apathy? We think we’ll be okay, we live in the wealthy part of the world and can build amazing dams (it’s worth knowing that one third of Netherlands is under the sea level, and they seem to be doing fine).

In the United Kingdom, we will probably not starve due to soon-tocome scarcity of resources. However, the most damaged areas (according to global climate risk index released

in 2019) will be the poorest. Notably almost the entirety of Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Vietnam, are on top of the list for risk. And let’s be honest, we don’t really care about ‘distant’ places like that. UK even decided to cut membership in European Union to be more sovereign. If we don’t trust our neighbouring countries, can it honestly be said that we care about the struggles a little bit further away?

My instinct tells me that this country cares, but not really. If we cared, millions of children would not die of hunger while we overproduce food to the point we throw away 10.000.000 tonnes of food every year in the UK alone.

The question remains unsolved, what is to be done about climate change? What is to replace the system?

The answer is yet to be found, but it is certain that what we need most is creativity and a belief that the system can be changed. At some point, things cannot go on as they are. Maybe our desperate impotence is a sign that it is the time to think, not act.

because you believe in something, not because you want to defeat other people.

By running for these presidency positions and using these unfair methods to garner votes, these people cannot be considered suitable to be the representatives of the students. Being able to run for a position you think will help you make the lives of your fellow students better is an amazing opportunity, but these negative actions make others forget that fact.

It’s difficult to say exactly what these ‘negative’ actions were. The Students’ Union has strict policies regarding confidentiality, as it should, and so the facts behind the complaints and allegations are unclear. However, according to Reygan Davidson, 21, a candidate for the President position, and Derek Lamb, 21, a candidate for Vice President of Business and Law, some of the ‘negative’ actions included campaigning in slates and threatening other campaign teams.

What should be done to prevent this negative behaviour in the future?

First off, the student union need to be less focused on saving face by keeping complaints and

any controversy “hush hush”, and instead invest more time in operating in a more transparent way, revealing details of allegations and how these are responded to.

This will limit the rumours and allegations that are spread around by word of mouth.

Furthermore, the Students’ Union may even benefit from a change of policy surrounding the elections, with an increased focus in policing candidates.

A lot of students wouldn’t have even been aware of the scandalous actions certain people have taken in order to win a position of power.

This factor also allowed those people to get away with those actions since, in their ignorance, the students might have voted for the people that squashed the voices of other candidates.

This article in particular may not be appreciated by many, but I am taking that first step in preventing the lack of transparency that the SU have had over the past few years in regards to the elections. By providing knowledge to the students that vote, we can reduce the amount of people that are affected unfairly and really give equality to all.

Issue 2, april 2019

MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWSPAPER

STUDENT LIFE | pg9

STUDENT LIFE Trouble in the SU Elections?

Continued on Page 10

WHAT’S YOUR NEXT STEP? Pages 14-15

PHOTO: MDXSU

The LIFE OF AN ERASMUS STUDENT page 11

MDXSU Awards 2019 results page 11

Talking bout my generation page 12

A WHOLE LOT OF TALENT pages 12-13

Issue 2, april 2019

MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWSPAPER

STUDENT LIFE | pg10

PHOTO: MDXSU

“the least aggressive elections period our student union has had”

further action was taken.” There were

students to identify you if you happen

no further appeals and the Returning

to be breaking any rules.

STUDENT LIFE | NEWS Continued from front page...

MELISSA NABRE & NATALIE ROSE

as explained in their report.

Officer was “satisfied that the election

According to Reygan Davidson, 21,

was conducted in a free and fair way”, a candidate for the President position, these campaign teams were also acting

Derek Lamb, 21, a candidate for

in a threatening and intimidating way

Vice President of Business and Law,

towards any of their competitors. She

allegations, which were all investigated by the explained that there were several stated that her campaign team would Middlesex University’s Students’ Deputy Returning Officer (an external teams campaigning in plain clothes. call her asking for support when they Union have stated that they take “any university staff member) and “no “It makes it easier for people to bend were out on campus because “they Regarding

these

potential breaches in the elections rules very seriously, and investigations are carried out quickly to ensure minimal disruption.” surrounding

the

2019

elections, they have explained that four

complaints

as easily,” he said. t

were

received,

h

e

s

e

c a m p a i g n

teams

Specifically, in response to the rumours

“

the rules when you can’t identify them didn’t want to do it alone”.

were

acting threatening

also

Candidates are given a set of coloured contacted for a right to reply, but no t-shirts during their candidate briefing response was received.

a

for themselves and their team to wear

and

when they are campaigning. This

in

intimidating way...

The candidates in question were

You can find further coverage of

is not only to show what team you this story is in our Commentary are campaigning for, but also allows section, found on Page 8.

Issue 2, april 2019

MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWSPAPER

YOU COULD SAY I WAS #MADEINMDX STUDENT LIFE | Business & Law VP 2017-19 discusses the doors Middlesex opened for her and her upcoming role at NUS. ERICA RAMOS My role as Vice President is more than just representing students from the Business and Law Schools (which has recently changed – it is now the Faculty of Professional and Social Sciences). It’s my job to work and campaign on the things that matter to you.

Specifically I have a passion for student and have worked to ensure they are properly resourced and supported.

I’ve also led campaigns on a range of issues, such as my campaign against Sexual Harassment #WeBelieveYou, the Free Periods campaign tackling period poverty, and supporting and celebrating international students on campus.

One of the key roles I play as one of your representatives is to meet with other officers from other unions, from different universities and colleges from across the UK. We do this through networking opportunities at the National Union of Students (NUS), which is the national organisation for representing student

voice through a wider collective of affiliated Students’ Unions from across the country. It’s important that we work across the UK with other Unions on the issues that are facing students, as we are powerful when we stand together.

Being a representative from an international background, and of a university that has a particularly diverse and multinational student body, I realised that there was so much more I could do to improve the everyday lives of international students, not just here at Middlesex but across the UK. Throughout my two years of being your VP and the International Students 2nd Place at NUS, I have learned that Students’ Unions play a really powerful role, not just in improving the lives of students on campus, but also in empowering students to participate in society and encouraging them to fight for causes that matter to them. Be that in their communities, or in the wider world.

The ability for Students’ Unions to shape a students’ journey through university, making it a worthwhile experience by providing opportunities for you to grow as leaders and champions within our society is so inspiring.

This is why I made the decision to stand to be your Vice President Union Development at the National Union of Students – it’s because of Students’ Unions like MDXSU and their constant drive to encourage positive change through the empowerment of students that we have achieved so much for society, and for the world.

So, I am going to spend my year in Students’ Unions, engaging them with NUS and giving local Unions the power to win on what matters to students.

I’d like to end this article by saying that it has been such an honour, and such a thrilling experience to have been your Vice President Business and Law for the past two years.

Thank you for all of your support, and especially to those who have just made this ride easier, inspiring, and worthwhile. I speak a lot about empowerment, but truly I have been empowered by YOU, the students, the staff, and the Students’ Union here at Middlesex.

STUDENT LIFE | A life changing experience.

IRINA SHTEIS

Erasmus experience emphasising the given opportunity for personal growth.

“The best way to improve is to get out of your comfort zone and discover a new world. That’s what student exchanges are all about.

Taking that leap of faith will enhance all aspects of your being”.

I was another of the presenters talking about how much my time studying at Middlesex University and my life in London had affected and reshaped my future.

It’s worth mentioning that before moving from Iceland to the UK, I had an intermediate three-month stop in St. Petersburg, my home town. This might explain why the culture shift didn’t seem as harsh as it could have been.

If one looks at the statistics, they would probably be amused to know

Student Voice Leader of the Year

Melissa Nabre

Community Contribution Award

Hisham Kanan & Neda Mohamadi Onco Nano Research Students Group

Highly Commended...

Super POW!er of the Year

Natalie Rose

Best New Society

CSSA

Student-Led Event of the Year Highly Commended...

Society of the Year Highly Commended...

Outstanding Contribution to Student Life Highly Commended...

MDXSU Student Staff Member of the Year

Life of an erasmus student

They say that palmar skin patterns might change once you gain more life experience. If someone read your hand before and after the completion of the Erasmus exchange program, this person might be surprised by the differences.

“Life-changing”, “memorable”, “essential to growth” - ten students shared their Erasmus experience during the presentation event organized by MDX Exchange team for the university’s partners.

The stories of the speakers varied from a practical “pros and cons” evaluation to a nostalgic look back. Two incoming students were highlighting the meaningful aspects of their exchange period at Middlesex.

The BA English student Nikola Savic, coming from the University of Belgrade, reflected on his overall

STUDENT LIFE | pg11

that the population of Iceland is less than the number of inhabitants in the borough of Barnet. Once you move from the island with the primarily monolingual and ethnically homogeneous community, it takes time to get used to the diversity of the megapolis.

For the majority of students moving away from home, the discovery of their new town starts with the university.

The Sheppard Library that possesses a notable collection of materials and provides immediate service has been my most favourite spot at the campus. I’m still amazed by the idea of 24-hour access, which is one of the features that makes this place more home-like. Inside the wrapped-in-felt cubicle, with a pile of books and hot chocolate, it might feel even cosier than your

MDXSU Intern of the Year Highly Commended...

MDXSU Staff Member of the Year

MDX Got Talent Holi - Indian Society and Bollywood Society ISoc Musical Theatre Society Aashi Tejwani David Temilade

Derek Lamb

Reygan Davison Adela Juhasova & Rebecca Torrie

Hannah Keating

own bedroom.

Of course, the library isn’t the only aspect of the whole study experience. I will not go into the detailed explanation of how distinct the education system in Iceland is from the one in Britain. If compared to people, the teaching principles at two institutions differ as much as introverts and extroverts. The former refers to the University of Iceland with a more classic model based on lectures and instant exam/ quizzes, while the latter is about classes at Middlesex where you always have a room for discussion and brainstorming sessions.

Issue 2, april 2019

STUDENT LIFE | pg12

MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWSPAPER

TALKIN BOUT MY GENERATION STUDENT LIFE | Highlights from the North London Story Festival, held on 21st February 2019.

YVONNE ALEXANDER-TAYLOR The North London Story Festival (formerly North London Literary Festival) is an annual event held at Middlesex University and the surrounding areas of North London. Running annually since 1996, the festival aims to celebrate all forms of storytelling through hosting a range of guest speakers and holding practical workshops at the Hendon campus of Middlesex University.

This year’s festival saw a line up of actors, theatre directors, producers, writers and journalists all focusing on the topic of ‘My Generation’.

The phenomenal festival brought together the minds of these individuals to explore what it means to be young and living in the UK today.

There were interactive talks and workshops that students and the public actively engaged in. Not to forget the memorable performances of plays written and performed by Middlesex students.

The event started at 11a.m on Thursday 21st February. However, for the festival producers, work began three months prior.

Students ranging from Foundation Year, up to Second Year of the Media Department, worked tirelessly week by week leading up to the festival.

The most challenging part of the process was finding and confirming celebrities and well-known artists.

With only a mere couple of months to get this done, the producers found tight deadlines laborious as publications could not be done without knowing who the guests would be. Eventually, everything fell into place nicely and the line-up was ready.

To start the day, Dalia Gebrial gave a talk about the book ‘Decolonising the University’ in which she is a co-editor. Attendees flocked the boardroom and listened intently as Dalia effortlessly spoke about

the students and activists within the book.

Simultaneously, the Google News Lab ran a workshop at Hendon Library, hosted by Abigail Edge. This was quite an interesting session as it explored the strengths and limitations of modern technology in journalism and the challenges that journalists faced in driving innovation in news in today’s society.

How could we have a festival without some extracurricular fun?

As you stepped into the iconic Grove Atrium, you could hear and feel the buzz of excitement as people stood laughing at their friends and peers on the virtual reality experience.

They had the opportunity to be amazed and entwined into the world of ‘Pearl’ and her dad as they travelled. Individuals were shifting, standing, crouching and bending as they immersed themselves in this virtual world.

In the afternoon, Vas Blackwood, actor, and Jade Lewis, theatre director, shared in a session about ‘Making It’ within the arts industry. Both, with their varied experience, delighted the audience and offered sound advice for those seeking to enter this field. With their contrasting age difference and experience levels, the audience gained an insight into the comparative and similar differences between the two.

The penultimate session of the day was the long awaited panel debate between the Baby Boomers and the Millennials. This panel was not just thrown together at random, oh no! The Baby Boomers consisted of highly academic lecturers and professors who battled against students. This long awaited opportunity, perhaps more so by the millennials, came and closed the programme on a high.

Not to forget - everyone who attended had free pizza!

PHOTO: SINGERS & MUSICIANS SOCIETY

A WHOLE LOT OF TALENT STUDENT LIFE | Highlights from MDX Got Talent, winner of Studnet-Led Event of the Year 2019, run by Simgers & Musicians Society and POW! Media.

LISA HUNT Singers & Musicians Society, in captivating and kept the show running collaboration with POW! Media,

despite the technical issues, while

presented

allowing the judges to have ample

Middlesex

University’s

fifth talent show, MDX Got Talent, on the 18th March 2019. Many students

time to give them feedback.

The judges of the night were Alice,

sang, spoke and played their hearts Erica, Lydia and even Senior Lecturer out for a chance to win the prize of a

Forenzo – Simon Cowell must have

£75 Amazon Voucher and a massive been busy that night I guess. blue diamond.

After going through a long and

The night began with a brilliant rendition of “I’m Yours” by Jason

nerve-racking audition process, they Mraz played on guitar by Mrinal had the chance to stand on stage and Mathur, with the judges offering perform in front of an enormous 150 positive

responses

regarding

the

people, as well as a Facebook live performances. feed run by POW! Media.

Monica Isaac followed with her

The platform, run and led by adorable

performance

of

“You

students, also conducted interviews Say” by Lauren Daigle, where halfwith each of the contestants prior to

way through the song she bashfully

the event – you can find out all about apologised. the finalists and watch these videos on the POW! Media Facebook page.

The night was an assortment of

The night went on with a Metallica guitar solo from Rupak Lingual, which was a stark contrast against the

musicians, singers, poetry, and even previous two acts. None-the-less, it Kenneth the magician who bewildered caused quite a stir from the audience the audience with his card tricks. We judging by the number of phones in had a variety of ballads, rock, original pieces and even musical theatre was performed.

the air recording his performance.

The beautifully talented Rebecca Green took to the stage and became

Matt Ketley, a committee member the breath-taking Eponine through for the Singers & Musicians Society her cover of Les Miserables “On My and the host for the evening, was Own”.

Issue 2, april 2019

MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWSPAPER

STUDENT LIFE | pg13

Lorretta Labiani tugged at our heart different original piece by Hades strings with a couple of poems from

called “I Believe In You” which,

her repertoire, and Jessie and Her

along with his eye catching Guy Fieri

Friends rocked the stage with their trousers, really caught the audience’s cover of “Highway Star”. The band attention. were phenomenal and I’m pretty sure

A

version

of

Pulp

Fiction’s

that the gaze of every member of the “Misirlou” was played by Jakub audience was fixed firmly on the stage. Mikusinec, who added a sense of Then we had Kenneth Polden who, humour to the tense piece and even in his interviews with POW! Media,

had his own banners being shown by

described his act as ‘Mentalist’, which fans. was very truthful when he correctly

Then soulful Angie took to the stage

guessed that Lydia had a pair of boobs beginning with a motivational speech, (on a card that someone had drawn).

before moving the room with her

We then had a break which gave incredible vocals. the audience a chance to refill their

The last two acts of the night were

glasses, and the judges than had an

Elena’s cover of “Pulled” from the

opportunity to discuss what went on theatre show The Addams Family in the first half of the event. This gave Musical, in which she not only me a chance to have a chat with the cosplayed as Wednesday Addams, contestants.

but killed it (metaphorically) with her

Well, I can say one thing at least – the acting and range. people of Middlesex are a supportive

The conclusive act of the night came

bunch since, when asked why they from the brilliant CJ who belted “No auditioned, most of the contestants More Drama” by Mary J Blige to a mentioned that their friends told them roaring round of applause. to.

Another interval later to allowed for

It was during this interval that the peoples vote, the POW! Media I realised how “weird”, “mad”, Award and the Judges decisions, and “happy” and even “crazy” each of we were back to the results, which the contestants were, and the variety can be found on the POW! Media of chords that make up the student Facebook page. body which, I imagine, would create a harmonious sound.

The night was an amazing event, and it’s to the credit of the entire

In the second portion of the night committee of Singers and Musicians Maddie Wise played an angelic that it was one of the biggest events original song called “All Around Me” that an MDX Society has held this on keyboard.

year with a large, diverse, supportive

This was followed by an extremely and energetic crowd to witness.

Tweet Us #MDXLife Do you want your tweet featured in the next issue of The Middlesex Echo?

It can be about anything, or even a photo! Show us what being an MDX student is all about.

Follow us at @mdxecho and tweet using the hashtag #MDXLife to be considered!

Issue 2, april 2019

STUDENT LIFE | pg14

MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWSPAPER

What’s your STUDENT LIFE | Advice from students and alumni on what to do now that your exams and deadlines are over, and how to prepare for what’s coming next.

Introduction by NATALIE ROSE Finally, it’s gotten to that time

Postgraduate study AARON FENTON-HEWITT, MA STUDENT I remember when I handed in my

how yours might play out.

Personally, I chose to go into further

final piece of coursework. The reality study because I wanted to specialise that I had officially finished university in an area of my chosen industry that

of year again – summer. Deadlines

But remember, the summer is for

and exams are over, and we can all

fun too. These decisions don’t have

start to breathe properly again. My

to be difficult, and you can just as

caffeine levels have gone down, my

easily think about them while lying

sleeping hours have increased, and

by a pool somewhere or on a beach,

I have finally been able to clear all

or in a park with your friends.

No more coursework. No more all- Whenever I would work with a group,

those books and notepads out of the

Spend the next few months relaxing

nighters, with coffee to keep you writing would be my area of expertise.

way. No longer do I wake up with

and coming to terms with whatever

awake.

stress sweats.

decisions you make. Be happy and

It’s over. Finished. Now is the and above for all my written work,

But this isn’t where it all ends,

sure of yourself. Get physically and

time where you simply wait for your including my dissertation (I was 2%

and for most of us, end of exams

mentally prepared to take the next

only means more decisions to

step in your life.

didn’t hit me until I woke up on I was good at and that I genuinely Tuesday morning to go to class as enjoyed. normal, and then I remembered: there

I did my undergraduate degree in

was no class. No more 10am starts Film, and during that time I found that and 5pm finishes. No more deadlines. writing was by far my strongest asset.

I was consistently averaging a 2:1

results, celebrate with your family and off a first!). walk across that stage dressed in your

Knowing this, I figured that I wanted

graduation gown. But, after all that, to be an all-round writer; somebody

make. It’s okay to spend the next

If you do want to check out your

month scrolling through AirBnB

options, My UniHub has a whole

and planning holidays. But soon

load of information for you to

enough, the real world will start to

shift through. Just log on and start

loom again, and it’s always better to

clicking through the links and you

available. Some decide to go into novels and writing for theatre.

be prepared.

should find what you’re looking for.

postgraduate study, like me.

I know, trying to think about these

Under the Support & Wellbeing tab,

big decisions can be scary. The

you can even book an appointment

hardest part for most is figuring out

with a number of different advisors

where to start. So I have gathered

at the University who can help by

here for you a few words of advice

explaining your options and talking

from some students and alumni here

out your situation.

and all the celebrations, festivities and who was a jack of all trades. I was family dinners are over, what happens mainly writing film scripts and nonnext?

fiction reports, but I wanted to expand

Well, there are many options into other areas such as short stories, By the third year, I knew this was

Statistics have shown that those what I wanted to do and I applied for with a postgraduate qualification can postgraduate study here at Middlesex, command a salary up to 18% more where I am currently studying MA than those with a Bachelor’s degree Writing for Creative and Professional only. It does wonders for your CV; Practice. I was offered a place on the I talk from experience and I haven’t course within a month of applying, even finished the course!

with

my

academic

tutor

being

Let the following advice guide

Postgraduate study usually allows especially impressed with my literary

Hopefully their tried and tested

you peacefully on your decision-

you to focus on an area that you potential. The rest is history, as they

advice will help guide you with

making journey this summer. But

would like to specialise in. For me, say.

some

this

don’t forget to relax, de-stress and

it was creative writing. For you, it

summer. Each one of them speaks

get yourself all back to fit, fighting

could be computer science, public study if you’d like to specialise in

from experience, and hearing their

health, ready for the exciting year

stories can help to better imagine

of new things ahead!

at Middlesex University.

of

your

decisions

I’d highly recommend postgraduate

health or midwifery. Middlesex offers your chosen field. It will kickstart your all of these courses and more; the career in a way that a sole Bachelor’s possibilities are endless!

degree simply cannot.

Issue 2, april 2019

STUDENT LIFE | pg15

MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWSPAPER

’next

step?

RETAKES & RESITS

EMPLOYMENT

LISA HUNT, STUDENT RETAKING 1ST YEAR

ROEL VAN DEN BERG, ALUMNI

Ironically I’m quite happy I failed my first year. It meant that I

University has been praised as the

cuppa here’s what you do.

Missed

assignment?

Check

That little bit of wiggle room is nice,

one institution that will give you the but make sure you don’t lose sight of knowledge and the tools that will what’s important. That retail job is

could retake, come back and kick

your module handbook for a

ass again in every module (even if

resubmission date, which is usually

I did have to resubmit some). I’m

in July some time. Once you know

currently maintaining an average

this information take a leaf out of

2.1 which is a damn lot better than

Rihanna’s book and “work, work,

I managed last year and after a long

work, work, work”. If you’ve got

give you a leg up from your peers on

multiple deadlines that you’ve

the same level, the only difference you want in life, whether that be

year of bereavement, anxiety, panic attacks and break downs galore, I’m finally on path to getting into 2nd year!

You may be in a similar boat with no idea where to turn or what to do next. All your submissions are in and you’re sat looking at your grades on Unihub, silently panicking before calling home and packing it all in. Before you do all of that, hear me out. You’ve got options every single step of the way.

Firstly, BREATHE!! We’ve all been there and it’s no use stressing about it, like you’re in a pond full of worry with no ladder to help you

failed and missed, the earlier you start the more opportunity there is for you to get everything done on

make you ready to join the workforce tempting because it is easy money. with a healthy starting salary. It turns Maybe they give you a promotion out that university barely has anything along the way with a raise attached to it. These are traps, and should be

to do with your future.

While a university degree might treated with caution.

University made you aware of what

between a 1st honours degree and a to continue along down the path of 2:2 honours degree, is your state of your degree or follow your hobbies.

Keep those in mind, explore new

mind.

But whatever your final grade, all opportunities and ideas. Never keep

time. (Hint: Leaving everything

students face the same next obstacle: yourself down with the promise of

to last minute means you end up

job applications.

prioritising

certain

assignments

which can be detrimental, and you may even have to retake the entire module next year.)

Failed a module? Apply for extenuating circumstances and email

something better. Life is a party, but

Applying for a job sounds easy you have to hang the garlands yourself. enough - you must be interested in the

Don’t be afraid to get out of your

job, but not too interested; you must comfort zone. Think about the skills promote yourself, but not too much.

However,

all

those

you have obtained and make them

classmates into a career. Your social experiences

you had (maybe some of them were

might make you perfect for a position

even your friends) are now your in management, your ability to teach/

your Head of Department to find

competition. Not only that, students train others might make you perfect

out your next options. Extenuating

from hundreds and thousands of for education.

circumstances allow you to get an

universities each year compete for the

extension on assignments and when

same roles against each other.

And if you feel like your town has nothing to offer, move somewhere else

It is sometimes easier to stick to within the UK, or even move abroad.

out. Figure out the ladder and then

you email your Head of Department

climb the heck out of the anxiety

try and arrange a meeting with them

pond, since that’s just going to drag

to figure out the best strategy for

be turned into a full-time position. countries.

the days out where you could be

getting you back on track.

Hospitality or retail will work the

what you know best. That bar job you You might see something of the world did part-time during university can and end up in one of your favourite In conclusion, don’t ever stop

being productive. Speak to friends,

Retaking a year is not the end of

same. It will give you some breathing pushing yourself. Never be afraid of

family and email your teachers

the world and honestly for some

room. Maybe you don’t see it yet, be daring and following your heart; be

about your next steps. But once this

people, it’s the best decision they

is done and you’ve made yourself a

have ever made.

but maintenance is not going to fall more afraid of comfort zones and easy magically into your bank account money – they’re the real traps in this anymore.

life.

Issue 2, april 2019

student voice | pg16

MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWSPAPER

INTERVIEWS Ben Allworthy

ANAS BADAR

STUDENT VOICE | INTERVIEW | President of Singers & Musicians Society and host of MDX Got Talent talks about his experiences and gives advice.

STUDENT VOICE | INTERVIEW | Our new elected Students’ Union President for the academic year 2019/20.

NATALIE ROSE

LISA HUNT My first impression of Ben was that he was humble, sweet and spoke highly about everyone we discussed.

He didn’t have a bad word to say about anyone, and he spoke of with admiration and pleasure about all those that helped him organise the event, especially his committee.

What was the process of putting together an event like MDX Got Talent?

A lot of planning. It started out when we took over the society in October.

We were a completely new committee who were thrown in the deep-end and luckily we had Erica Ramos (Law & Business VP 2017-19) who helped give us context which meant we could run things smoothly. The team decided we would plan it for March since it would give us time to organise everything, and we spoke to Andre and the POW! team about collaborating.

Since Andre is so good with visuals and social media, it meant I could sit in the DJ booth and manage sound while Matt compared. Also with the help of Lydia from Musical Theatre and Forenzo, who is a head lecturer of music, we had a really good judging panel alongside Haniss.

How are you going to make sure every student feels represented?

strengths which we bring to the team – Haniss is currently doing Business Arts management so she’s very good at handling the social media element, which I’m pretty terrible at; and Matt is good with music tech, which really helps with putting together shows.

And we try to keep the meetings open to everyone, regardless of musical ability. We hold various events for anyone who has an interest in music to show up to throughout the year, such as karaoke nights and band workshops. I’m a third year this year which means I will be leaving the society in the capable hands of next year’s committee.

Finally, what’s biggest advice going forward to anyone wanting to run societies or events next year?

Always have a back up plan. We’ve tried our best to keep things running smoothly but sometimes things might come up. You may not have the turn out that you want, but you still have to figure something out with your committee and work professionally as a team. The team have been really good this year and I can honestly say I will be friends with them once I finish.

For more information regarding So how has working together been the Singers & Musicians Society, and for you this year in regards to the for all the latest in regards to events, committee? please see their Facebook page or the It’s been good. We all have our MDXSU website.

of them. I believe that we all (the candidates) shared a lot of points on

I believe that, no matter where you

our manifestos. I think that’s a good

come from, regarding your religion,

thing. People are aware that all the

background, gender, ethnicity, we

students need change for that.

all have the same goals in life which Do you plan to stay involved

is – be happy.

So no matter what, I’ll focus on the every student, because at the

within the student body next year, to keep speaking to people?

end of the day we are all students,

That’s one of my main focuses – I

so I’ll focus on every single one of

want to make sure that every student

them, no matter what religion they

feels represented in the student

believe in, what ethnicity they come

body. I don’t want to just focus on

from, what background or gender,

one and leave the rest. I want to

anything. A student is a student.

focus on everyone and make sure

“

everyone’s heard.

For example, I’ve been running I

want

focus

to

surveys on campus, I’ve been going

on

around asking people with different

everyone

and

make

sure

everyone’s

heard.

backgrounds, different ethnicities, everything. Everyone has been giving

What, in your own personal opinion, is the reason why you won the election over the other candidates?

I have to big up all my campaigners, they all represented my goals really well. They all were trained to do so, and they all did it really good. The majority of my win was because

me

different

answers,

different opinions. So you can see the variety that we have on campus.

I’m very approachable if anyone wants to come and contact me.

They can ask anyone for my socials, even myself, I’ll give them happily.

Even if you want to have a meeting, a quick chat. I’m more than happy to talk about anything.

Issue 2, april 2019

student voice | pg17

MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWSPAPER

CREATIVE CORNER PHOTO: PEXELS

THE RUNNING MAN: part 1 STUDENT VOICE | STUDENT SUBMISSIONS | Creative Writing S.K. GUNA Donnie checked the clock several wind itself, until ‘The Beast’ that

slowly unravel. He timed the next few

times, anxiety feasting upon him. As hunted him grew tired and gave up its moments to precision, counting down the final minutes of freedom ticked chase. itself away, the thirty-year-old took

Although

from ten as the thick vale of shadow his

heart

consumed curtained from his eyes.

a number of deep breaths to calm his itself in nothing but regret, his mind,

From where he stood, Donnie saw

demeanour, steeling himself for what however, could never allow him to

seventeen structures ahead of him,

was about to come next. It had been consider himself guilty of his friend’s

five of which he had encountered in

ten years since that dreaded night, an early demise.

his previous runs. He calculated the

incident that drove him down the path

“No!” he cried, slamming his fist difficulty in order to reach each of

of ruin ever since, accompanied only, onto the armrest of his seat. “The idiot those edifices, taking into account the by the aid of the bottle and countless was drunk! He tripped! He fell into randomly assigned paths and obstacles narcotics. Wiping away the icy the pit. You couldn’t save him!” He that stood in his way. Sensing that his beads of sweat that trickled down his

washed away the doubts that lingered body was still in an immobile state, he

forehead, Donnie reassured himself in his thoughts by chugging on realised that he still had a tiny window that all he had to do was to survive what remained of the cheap whisky,

of time to decide on which of the safe-

for the next fifteen minutes, and ‘The needing to remain clear-headed in houses he would make a break for.

Beast’ would be gone; securing his

order to beat his foe once again. The As with the prior nine encounters,

freedom until the next anniversary of empty glass bottle slipped through his Donnie would be released from his that tragic event.

fingers and clattered to the ground. paralysis once ‘The Beast‘ apparated

Throughout the years that he had Donnie shut his eyes, clenching his a few yards behind him. After been tormented by that vile thing, fists tightly to alleviate his trembling eliminating the more difficult paths Donnie was able to piece together a hands. The alarm clock on the end- presented ahead, he made his choice sure-fire strategy of outwitting it. He

table beside him began to beep; it was of trajectory and edgily awaited the

recited the plan repeatedly to himself, time to face his fears, it was time to sound of the buzzer; the arrival of the as if to recite a prayer before dying.

Once a star athlete back in college,

run, “Here we go again.”

predator.

STUDENT VOICE |

STUDENT SUBMISSIONS | Artwork

REBECCA TORRIE This colouring sheet was originally produced as part of a campaign to improve awareness of mental health and help those affected by it.

Please feel free to use this to de-stress during this exam period.

Send in pictures of your completed version for a chance to be featured in a future issue.

You can do this by tagging our social media: @MDXEcho on Twitter and Facebook.

Or, you can email your photo to us at: powmag@mdxsu.com

Donnie opened his eyes to a

Donnie knew that speed was his complete and perturbing darkness. advantage over the creature. And so, Patiently, he waited he was going to run, faster than the

COLOURING SHEET

with bated breath for the terrain to

To be continued...

FIND ON PAGE 18

Issue 2, april 2019

student voice | pg18

MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWSPAPER

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