Candidate Question Time: Amanda Hollinger

Amanda is really excited about campaign week. But not just because she’s standing, she’s always been excited about campaign week. “Democracy in action!” she enthuses. “Last year I would go up to people and say give me your flyer, tell me about your manifesto! I’m going to have to learn this week that not everyone is like that.” Surely such a positive attitude towards student life and student politics is a perfect attribute for someone who is running for DoSDA.

But it’s not just in attitude that Amanda exudes good qualities, her previous roles throughout her time at St Andrews show a dedication to student activities. “I’m currently the director of Big Top Ball!” This is a role she is clearly enjoying. But this is just one small accolade in the wealth of experience Amanda has had in student activities. With previous roles in sub committee Mermaids and even Director of Communications with the Debating Society, Amanda admits she’s task orientated and highly motivated. “It’s really important as a student and it has really helped me.”

“University is some of the best years of your life, but some of the toughest. 1 in 4 students will face mental health issues.”

Amanda’s first policy focuses upon building a support system in the union for students through increased training for SSC officers and society presidents. This training would be specifically in leadership and mental health. Amanda believes that by creating awareness for these issues it will be highly beneficial for students. The topic is clearly something she is passionate about and believes it would greatly enhance the St Andrews student experience.

“I want to continue my work with careers centre focusing upon the careers launch from day one”

While Amanda is highly praising of CAPOD, she’s really keen to focus upon careers, especially the career’s launch event. “I want to make it the biggest success it has ever been.” Amanda wants to continue the work of Fay in the hope that more can be done to improve employability for the students of the university.

And this leads her onto her final concerns regarding the feelings of inclusion. Amanda is eager for everyone to get involved with everything that the union has to offer. “I met some of my best friends through subcommittees. These are people that have supported me and grown with me over the years.” Believing this to be one of the best parts of St Andrews, Amanda is excited to get everyone involved with this aspect of the university.

Amanda is enthusiastic about the opportunities for students and improving them. Before we end she reminisces about her favorite memory at St Andrews. “My favorite memory was a debating weekend we hosted called The Scottish Mace. It was such a boding experience with a wonderful sense of community. I want to support students who through their societies who want to do these big things. I just want them to achieve it.”