Panayiotis Stavrinou, candidate for International Rep
The International Representative (Barts and The London) shall seek feedback from and represent international students in the Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry on academic issues and welfare issues affecting them. They are also responsible for supporting the Vice President Communities and Vice President Barts and The London, working with the other International Representatives (Humanities and Social Sciences and Science and Engineering) to encourage the students they represent to participate and engage with the Students’ Union.
What's your favourite moment from being a student here?
It would be very hard for me to pinpoint a single favourite moment. Yet, all my best moments have something in common – an inherent sense of belonging, which is unique to our school. Navigating medical school is hard to do on one’s own, but at Bart’s we are eager to support and inspire one another; which comes down to the shared understanding that we are all part of the same community, the same extended family.
What's something you've done that you're proud of?
This has to be my participation in the musical Chicago. I'm very proud of everyone who worked hard to bring the play to life. Our devotion was reflected in the result, which exceeded expectations living up to the standards of professional plays. Rehearsals were long and the university workload was demanding. Yet, I managed to balance both and do justice to the role with which I was trusted–the master of ceremonies.
What is a problem facing students and how do you propose to fix it?
The year 2020 brought great turbulence to the lives of international students, with COVID19 & Brexit creating abounding uncertainty and anxiety for many. I wish to ameliorate some of this distress, through a proactive and effective support system, by being in close communication with welfare officers of cultural societies, and organising regular online meetings with students.
