
Adam Carter-Jones
(How or) Why did you become a Trustee of the Sunderland Students’ Union?
I was recommended for the role whilst still in my first year and up to that point I had never considered it. Following some reading, I quickly realised it was a fantastic opportunity to gain experience of such a responsible position that will ultimately help me both personally and professionally moving forward.
What is your fondest memory of being a student so far?
I am both an alumni and current student, having graduated from the University in 2012 where I finished top student on my course. This time around, I am proud to be part of the first ever cohort of my programme as well as its first ever Course Representative (2019-20).
Tell us about what you study and why you chose it...
I study Physiotherapy BSc (Hons). I have always wanted to be a physiotherapist as I am a sociable and caring person who enjoys the holistic aspect of rehabilitation. After being forced to leave a physiotherapy programme in 2007 due to external circumstances out of my control, and being unable to return to complete the course due to now-defunct NHS rules, I could not turn down the opportunity to join the programme here at Sunderland in 2019 following the NHS rule change in May 2019. I quit my offshore role and the rest is history as they say – not many people get a second chance at something they truly love.
What inspires and/or motivates you?
Doing what is right, for the right reasons.
If you could join any of the Unions societies, which would it be and why?
If injury was no barrier, any one of the martial arts clubs because they teach discipline and integrity amongst other things, most notably self-defence. I am the person I am today as a result of huge influences from traditional karate since the age of four (I’m now 35). As injury is a hindrance, however, I would opt for the Photography Society as I have an interest in the subject. I also find it relaxing during a period of my life where I have never been as busy (intensive degree, complete house renovation and a newborn!).
What do you hope to bring to the Trustee Board?
A reassuring, factual influence with a voice of reason at times of debate.

Jenny Goodfellow
Why did you become a Trustee of the Sunderland Students’ Union?
I’ve taken on a lot of different roles during my time at university so far, so I figured I’d give this a go! Seriously though… I was a School Co-ordinator for the School of Art and Design for two years, which gave me the chance to be Student Representative on the University Board of Governors for one year. I really enjoyed having an insight into how the University was run and the decision-making processes that took place. It was good to see that the University is constantly evolving and adapting to changing needs of students and education, and being part of that gave me a lot of satisfaction. I decided to apply for a Student Trustee role with the Students’ Union so that I could use what I had learned as a School Coordinator and a member of the Board of Governors to apply it to hearing, learning from, and responding to the Student Voice. I have a background in small charities and later on a funding organisation working with charities and community groups, so I appreciate how important it is to have input from people relying on services in order to make decisions that are relevant, effective, and what the community (in this case, the student community) want to see. I am looking forwards to bringing together my experience as both a charity worker, public sector funder, and mature student to help the SU be the best that it can be!
What is your fondest memory of being a student so far?
So far I haven’t had any bad memories or experiences! If I had to choose my best moments so far it would be getting to meet photographers and artists that I have admired for years and never thought I would ever see in “real life” outside of books, let alone chat with and share tips about balancing studies, life, work, and finding time to relax. It has given me so much confidence in approaching people outside of university to say hello and thank them for their work, and I have met so many of my idols over the years which would probably not have happened without those initial experiences and introduction into the world of creative practitioners.
Tell us about what you study and why you chose it...
I am studying for the BA in Photography, Video and Digital Imaging, and I have just started my final year as a full time student after three years of studying part time. I have always had an interest in photography and using it to understand the world, express myself, and to tell stories (especially editorial-style to show what is happening around me or in local politics), and I decided to pursue a degree after a family friend completed their MA in Photography at UoS and seemed to have a lot of fun. I went along to an open day in 2016 and fell in love with the university, its facilities, and the friendly atmosphere straight away. I have learned so much about the history of photography, how it has been used for a huge range of purposes, how the image is relevant to understanding our past, present, and future, the impact photography has had on society, politics and humanity, and what sort of photographer I would like to be after I graduate with plenty of opportunities to try out a whole range of styles and interests. I have been able to use equipment that I never thought I would get to see, let alone be allowed to handle and use for my own projects, and I have enjoyed every single module and project. Fingers crossed that will continue this year!
What inspires and/or motivates you?
I am very much inspired by acts of humanity and goodness; and using what we have or are able to access to improve the lives and wellbeing of people who may have very little agency, resources, or voice. In this way photography is a perfect fit – it can be used to give people a voice by showing us their world or their struggles, it can raise awareness of local and global issues that may be unseen by people in power or with influence, and it is fun! I have delivered sessions with our University Chaplain Chris Howson about using photography as a mindfulness activity, and I have a strong interest in documenting local political demonstrations, issues, and activism to show people working to help others and have their say in issues that may not directly affect them, but that do have an impact on people that deserve equality and to be heard.
If you could join any of the Union’s societies, which would it be and why?
I have just joined STAR at Sunderland for the new term, which stands for Student Action for Refugees and works to raise awareness of the needs of refugees in the area, volunteer at projects to help refugees, and campaign to improve their lives after fleeing war, persecution, or any reason why they are no longer able to stay in their home countries safely and have been forced to make a long and often dangerous journey to find a place they can live without fearing for their lives.
What do you hope to bring to the Trustee Board?
Hopefully my experience as a student who has come back to education after working in the voluntary and public sectors, has lived in private and student accommodation, and has to balance working, studies, and a personal life will give some varied insights into the issues and struggles that students can often face. I am not the sort of person who will take a “no” without asking “why?” and I like to try to get to the root of an issue and perhaps think of a way to fix things or make things better. I can’t stand the phrase “this is how it’s always been done”; there is always another way! I am also a strong believer in equality of opportunity for all students, regardless of age, race, cultural background or experiences before university and I am ready to make sure that all voices can be heard, particularly from those who are vulnerable, struggling, or feel otherwise left out.

Matthew Jackson
Why did you become a Trustee of the Sunderland Students’ Union?
I joined the board of trustees as I felt it was a great opportunity for me to try something new and really push my comfort zone. It also gave me the opportunity to work with new people with different ideas which excited me.
What is your fondest memory of being a student so far?
Oooo that’s tough it’s a toss up between 9am lectures with my hungover friend or when I got graded a first for my coaching session I had to deliver.
Tell us about what you study and why you chose it...
I currently am just starting my second year of sports coaching. With my dream to coach football professionally I saw this as an opportunity to really refine my knowledge on how to coach and to progress me up the coaching ladder.
What inspires and/or motivates you?
Inspiration sporting wise has always been Thierry Henry (legend) but from a personal perspective my dad is a very hard working person and so I always saw him as an inspiration. Motivation for me comes from within I’m very self driven to achieve goals and so I’m always aspiring to achieve better and to push myself.
If you could join any of the Union’s societies, which would it be and why?
More than likely the video game society, in my spare time I do enjoy a bit of Xbox to help relax so probably that.
What do you hope to bring to the Trustee Board?
I’m a very determined person with a big aspiration to achieve positive things. That mixed with my ability to put forward suggestions confidently will hopefully only help the Union blossom.

Shina Zdracheva
Why did you become a Trustee of the Sunderland Students’ Union?
When I started my journey at the University, I promised myself that I will get involved with it as much as possible. In the beginning of my first year I become a Course Rep, then a School Coordinator, and in one of our meetings I was introduced to the opportunity to become a Student Trustee. The moment I heard about it, I was determined to apply, luckily for me I passed through the process and I have been selected to be the first Student Trustee from London campus. I can say that applying for the Trustee position is definitely one of my best decisions.
What is your fondest memory of being a student so far?
I am just about to start my second year in the university, so I do not actually have much experience in it , but I can say that my fondest memory is related to the beginning of the lockdown. I imagine when COVID-19 came every student including me was concerned how we are going to move forward with our studies. Uncertainty was everything we all had at that time. But that fear did not have the chance to stay for long in my mind, I was impressed how for less than 2 weeks the University managed to adjust to the new way of living. The support I received from the Students’ Union was invaluable! Then came the quiz, which we have organised for ourselves
(the Students’ Union staff and the School Coordinators). This was the funniest night I had for a long time, so much laughing I even forgot about the all virus situation. Probably this will be my only memory about the lockdown in the future, when COVID is long gone.
Tell us about what you study and why you chose it...
I am a second year student in Business and Management in London. It was not easy to start studying again at 32 years and in language different than your own. But the start was the only difficult thing about it, then come the ambition.
I enjoy my studies more and more every day, I do not even want to graduate, as I am sure I am going to miss the University and everything that comes with it.
I choose Business and Management as I consider myself as a good leader. I do have experience in leading people and I know this is what I have been born to do. With my course I have the opportunity to learn so much new things and develop new skills needed for my future career.
What inspires and/or motivates you?
I am very competitive and ambitious person, and as I have mentioned above the start is the only difficult thing for me. Once I start something there is no power that can stop me. I believe the competitiveness is what actually keeps me going. I always want to be the best in everything I do, I know this is practically not possible, but I am keep trying
I can find inspiration in pretty much everything, sometimes I am inspired by a simple act of kindness, sometimes by a book I read or movie I watch, so I cannot actually give straight answer here.
If you could join any of the Union’s societies, which would it be and why?
I love science, so science, and if there is a volleyball I'd join that too
What do you hope to bring to the Trustee Board?
I believe every person we meet in our lives can teach us something, I am sure as a Student Trustee I am going to learn a lot from the rest of the Board and I hope they will learn something from me too.
I hope to bring my positivism and determination and I hope I will be able to help improve the Union to work in students’ best interest even more than it currently does!