DoRep-pin’ It

You’ve been peppered with flyers, you’ve heckled the heck out of the candidates, and you’re probably a wee melancholy to say “au revoir” to our current Sabbs (Freddie Fforde’s blonde coif in particular). With all the craziness that is supposed to be Election Week, The Stand thought that we ought to give you the inside scoop about the students behind the campaigns. DoRep candidates Teddy Woodhouse and Pei Liu gave us the dirt on everything from their Friday night haunts to what they actually plan to do for you as DoRep.

Teddy Woodhouse
Nationality: American, North Carolina specifically.
Course of Study: International Relations (“I pretty much perpetuate the North American stereotype.”)

What responsibilities are involved in the DoRep position?

Director of Representation, as a position, covers a huge remit — but in the end, about 70% of our time is dedicated to academic representation. That includes everything from school presidents to class representation to academic appeals. I also cover everything from student welfare, accommodation, the cost of living, mental health, the library … it is a huge remit. 

What does your campaign focus on in particular?

One thing that I really wanted to focus on and talk about was student mental health, because it is an issue that has sort of fallen to the wayside in recent years. Everything from securing a break for students in semester one to the library contributes to student mental health … it turns into questions like does the staff have the training to recognise a student who is working themselves into an episode at 3 a.m.? The hecklings have been interesting because so far, every single hall has wanted to talk about mental health.

Okay, let’s get personal. Where can we find you on a Friday night? Are you a Bop-er?

It kind of varies — sometimes I do go to the Bop. I am a huge fan of cheesy music — the cheesier the music, the better it is. I am also club president for the Lifesaving Club, so you can sometimes find me there on Friday nights. It’s a really cool sport, and you also get the cool line of, “I am a medal-winning lifesaver…”

Where is your favourite coffee shop? Where do you like to eat?

I have a sweet tooth, so it’s definitely going to have to come down to Jannetta’s or Bibi’s. It’s all about whether I want ice cream or a cupcake. I might have to slight towards Jannetta’s … if my waistline could handle it, I would eat there every day.

Are you single? Mingling?

I am in a relationship. (Sorry ladies…)

What hall did you live in?

I actually still live in halls — I am one of those rare fourth years who has lived in halls all four years. I lived in Melville my first two years, and I have lived in John Burnett the last two years. I did live in McIntosh during the summer program that I did in St Andrews as well. I like each hall for different reasons. 

Pei Liu
Nationality: Chinese
Course of Study: Psychology

What does the position of DoRep entail?

It includes working on issues involving education, equal opportunities, welfare, and national representation. My policies include a new Sabb radio show, a column in the newspaper, bringing back Reading Week, and working on opportunities for internships and employability. I want to open more channels of communication between students and the uni.

Where can you be found on a Friday night?

On Friday night I am usually practicing with the St Andrews chorus, but this semester I have been super busy so I haven’t been as much. On Saturdays I am usually in the kitchen with my friends — we are Chinese, so we love eating!

What is your favourite dish?

I’m not actually very good at cooking, but my most memorable dish is my mum’s fried potato threads. It’s so delicious … it’s really just a potato, but to me it tastes like family.

Which halls did you live in?

I was in New Hall (Agnes Blackadder, as it is now called) and I stayed there for three years, so I really liked it!

What is your favourite thing about St Andrews?

I love the town, and the beach in particular — I used to jog three times a week along Lade Braes. I love the people here as well — they are so open-minded and usually very nice — and now that I have my graduation googles on, everything seems wonderful!

Single? Mingling?

Yes, I am single. I am a bit shy!
 

Elections are on the 7th and 8th of March.

images courtesy of Pei Liu, Orsi Palfi, and Teddy Woodhouse.

headline image courtesy of http://uberding.net/2012/08/27/represent-your-crew/