Interviews

Name: Shane De Rís
Qualifications: TSM German and Modern Irish (Junior Sophister)
Title: Former President, Trinity College Students' Union

How did you get involved with the TCDSU?
I've always been a very active member of my community, even back in secondary school I put myself forward for any volunteering opportunities that I could. As soon as I saw the class rep nomination form in first year I knew I wanted to get involved. This then evolved into running to become a course convenor for Two Subject (TSM) in second year and I also ran, successfully, for the position of Junior Common Room (JCR) President in Trinity Hall.

What makes TCDSU different from other Student Unions?
The reputation and history of TCDSU sets us apart from other Student Unions. The campaigns we run and the lobbying we do has been refined and perfected over 50 years. This allows us to amplify our voice above others and make sure our students are heard. As the saying goes, 'we stand on the shoulders of giants', and TCDSU has many giants in our books.

For 50 years TCDSU has been fighting and campaigning for justice both inside and outside the walls of Trinity. Right back in the fight for contraception, to marriage equality and the repeal of the 8th amendment, the students of Trinity have been instrumental in creating change. This year this proud tradition continues as we further the fight for education and student rights, as well as the campaign for housing and accommodation rights. There is a thirst for change among a generation more engaged than ever before, and it is up to TCDSU to harness this energy and convert it into action. The Students Union itself also needs to change, to be more representative of the rich diversity that is the Trinity community. This year we will be running an intensive Diversity in Leadership campaign to empower students to put themselves forward and be leaders.

You campaigned to “re-focus the SU” and stated that higher education funding will be the focus of your presidency. How do you plan to put this in motion?
The SU needs to listen to its students, and respond to what they want. This means putting students and their education at the centre of all we do. The re-focusing I envision is us putting our ear to the ground, being more engaging than ever before and showing students that we are there for them The education sector has been a victim of the harsh budget cuts over the past number of years, with students suffering as a result. Since 2012 there has been no increase in the SUSI grant despite the costs associated with education rocketing skywards. This must change, the government must act. Young people across this country have shown that they are awake, that they are ready to affect change. We won't be ignored and mistreated anymore and the time has come to act.

What do you enjoy the most about being involved with the Students Union?
The most enjoyable part of my job is helping students. The feeling you get when somebody comes to you with an issue, be it big or small, and you are able to help them resolve that is second to none. That is without doubt the best part of this job.

What ways can alumni get involved with the TCDSU?
There are a number of ways for alumni to get involved with the SU and we are always eager to facilitate such involvement. Through supporting our campaigns, sharing experience, or helping us strengthen our lobbying there is always room for alumni in our activities. This year we plan on tapping into the inspiring stories of alumni to help empower students through the Diversity in Leadership campaign. We invite anyone who would like to be involved please get in contact at president@tcdsu.org.