Even if you don’t fuck with OUSA, there is no denying that people who wind up on the executive have gone on to do fancy things. Here’s an insight into the 2019 plans and goals for the future leaders of our country.
Caitlin Barlow-Groome: President
This year Caity is the Vice-President of the National Students’ Association, NZUSA. Besides that she has decided that 2019 is the year of being active, and is not only playing netball and touch, but is also training for the North Island Amateur Boxing Champs in August. Just in case you think this makes her too unrelatable, though, don’t worry – she assures us another goal for the year is to catch up on all the drinking she missed out on last year while working for OUSA.
Cam Meads: Admin Vice-President
Cam has already landed a job in the Government as a grad policy advisor. He’s working in the Government's migrant exploitation review, among other things. Namely, he says, just doing his best not to piss off ministers. Fitting to his former role at OUSA, part of the review is focused on minimizing the vulnerability of international students in the workforce. Despite how Very Adult and Career Advancing this all sounds, Cam has “massive fomo” looking at O-Week photos, and is missing the good life in Dunners.
Tiana Mihaere: Tumuaki, Te Roopū Māori
This year Tiana is the kaihāpai for Te Mana Ākonga and she is working on creating the first ever National Tauira Māori publication – the website launch of which is set for April 6th. She’ll be contributing to the new Māori segment on Radio 1 (name still tbd) with other tauira. She has returned to 3rd year Med and says, “neuro is less traumatising the second time round”. We’ll have to take her word for it.
Sam Smith: Finance Officer
In search for “a stronger dose of coffee, culture, and politics,” Sam moved to Wellington to finish off his Arts degree in Political Science and Public Policy. He still intends to finish off his law degree at Otago.
James Heath: Education Officer
Most of James’ time is taken up by OUSA (no surprises there). For those who don’t know, President is a 40-hour a week role. His goal is “to make this the best damn year for students and OUSA”. Non-work related, he plans on getting back into hockey and generally look after his physical and mental health, which are his most important personal goals.
Abigail Clark: Welfare Officer
Abigail is doing what she does best – flexing on most students with how much work she puts into the community. On top of working at a rest home, she is the secretary for Dunedin Pride Incorporated and is a refugee support volunteer with the Red Cross. When she’s not doing that, she’s working on her Masters in Peace and Conflict.
Josh Smyth: Re-Creation Officer
As the re-creation officer for this year as well as last, Josh wants to be the most visible and accessible OUSA contact he can be for all students and clubs. He intends to rep OUSA and “our fam” at all possible student cultural events like pint night, courtchella, and even in town. In 2019 he also will also continue provide “yoga, meditation, flame slinging, lush vibes, spiritual deep ‘n’ meaningfuls, and access to the pathways of knowledge and healing” that have helped shaped him so powerfully. Outside of uni, he teaches fire spinning with two large disability trusts, runs Ninja Training (he says to “hmu if you wanna get ninja”), and planning the next summer fire performance tour.
Roger Yan: Campaigns Officer
Mr Roger Yan is making the very respectable move of focusing on finishing his degree in Psychology and Politics. If he doesn’t get a job right off the bat he has his eyes on postgraduate studies. In the meantime, he has launched the Otago Psychology Society to bring psych students closer together. He says everyone should go and like the Facebook page.
Umi Asaka: International Officer
No shade to the other former exec members, but Umi by far is already killing 2019. Unfortunately she didn’t get back to us for a life update, but in the time she’s been gone she has published a book, and by lurking her Facebook we’ve been able to see her talking at some fancy looking conferences. Go her.
Kirio Birks: Post-Graduate Officer (Jan-August)
Either he blocked us all on Facebook or has left social media. Whichever, last we heard he got into a pretty competitive postgraduate course. Critic wishes him the best of luck.
Dermot Frengley: Post-Graduate Officer (September-)
As the 2019-elect postgrad officer at the time of his appointment to 2018 postgrad officer, he was able to get the ball rolling on a number of issues. So far he’s started working on improving postgrad representation within decision-making bodies, and has improved pathways for students to deal with supervisor conflicts. Besides that, his goal is to finish his thesis and get a job, and enjoy what might be his last year “in the city of dreams”. What a cheesy cunt. He also wants to improve on his Te Reo and do a bit of fishing.