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Hi, I’m Lucy and I would love to be the new secretary of the Gymnastics Society.
I am a second-year Psychology student going into my third and final year. I have done gymnastics for my whole life beginning recreationally at ‘the little gym’ (I know, cute), then starting aerobics when I was 9 years old. I carried on until I was 18 and was devastated to quit because it had been the biggest part of my life for so long.
This year, I have been part of the PsycSoc committee and ran the society netball team. I attended every session and this required 3 hours of my week dedicated to training, matches and ringing the union (who can be difficult at times) desperately trying to get extra training time in without paying a ridiculous amount. This has given me the confidence to work together with staff at the union as well as the edge and an understanding of how societies are run.
Because gymnastics has always been a huge part of my life and I would love to be able to give back to the society that has made me feel so involved. Having been a coach in the past, I know the pressures of creating session plans and attending every session religiously. The memories I have from having to do 50 press ups if we turned up late to a session still haunt me. I actually once missed ONE session before a competition whilst I was training 12 hours a week and got banned from doing my trio ☹. Therefore, I definitely learnt what commitment is!
The one thing I would really like to encourage is beginners joining in September. I am keen to create a small display of all of the new skills we have learnt this year to showcase the society to potential members at fresher’s fair. We need to make it clear that we can outperform the cheerleaders! I also have experience in ordering kit and equipment as I ordered Netball bibs this year as well as whistles so am prepared to fulfil these responsibilities of the secretary.
Next year will likely be my last year in Leeds so I am keen to make it my best! I think that, through being on committee, I will be able to continue the safe, friendly atmosphere that I have experienced this year.

About myself:
-Going into my 2nd year of university studying Economics and Finance
-Originally did aerobics from the age of 7 and then swapped to tumbling when I moved to the UK until the age of 15
-Was the Yorkshire champion in tumbling in 2018 and ended up competing nationally placing 7th in semi-finals
-I’m very dedicated and passionate about gymnastics so I decided to pick it back up when I joined university

Why I want to run for committee?
Although I have only been part of the society for a year I would love to be on committee because I’d like to contribute to it more as I’ve grown to love it and all the people in it!
As a fresher joining a new society it can be quite intimidating, however, the members and the committee were very welcoming and friendly. As a result I became very committed to attending every training session and competition I could which was so rewarding, as well as every Wednesday night socials, where many memories were created.
During my 1st year I was part of the hall exec team for my accommodation where I worked as part of a team to plan socials (along side an intense course and being an active member of the gymnastics society). This has taught me some new skills such as communication, teamwork and leadership skills as I ensured everything was well organised, which I believe are key skills for the Secretary role.
Being part of this society was the highlight of my university experience so far and I would love to help the society improve and grow further!

What can I bring to the committee and society?
-Having had some experience being part of a committee I have knowledge of what is expected and the importance of well established time management skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
-I pride myself with my organisational skills therefore I will be able to ensure everything regarding competitions and training sessions is exceptionally well planned in advance (transport, hotels).
-I want to ensure current and new members feel welcome and included in the society as I understand it can be nerve racking joining a society when you don’t know anyone.
- I want to ensure the society is well represented at the freshers fair by assisting with the promotional material, leaflets etc.
- I want to try and attract more members’ interest into competing so we can carry on the tradition of being the loudest uni in a gym!

I am very passionate about gymnastics and would love to contribute to the society by making sure everyone feels welcome and included, ensuring they have fun, contributing to the best uni experience ever!