Mez Hakim, Candidate for Engagement Officer
The elected officers work hard to organise events and activities, run campaigns and get feedback from students, so it’s important to get the message out to all students! This is the responsibility of the Engagement Officer, who works as part of the Operations Team with the VP Barts (Operations), to engage students in BLSA activities. You’ll also be the guardian of the BLSA brand (and you get to stick the BLSA logo on things).
What's your favourite moment from being a student here?
There are some absolutely unforgettable moments during my time at medical school, but one that really stands out is the incredible experience of our initial meeting in First Year. I can still remember the excitement and anticipation of that weekend before "uni life" really began, and the amazing feeling of being assigned my Barts Family. It was such a great opportunity to explore the vibrant city of London and fully immerse myself in a brand-new community.
What's more, the formal dinner events hosted by different societies have been an absolute highlight too. These events provide the perfect excuse to get dressed up and indulge in some truly amazing food, all while reminiscing with friends about the incredible experiences we've shared so far. It's amazing to see just how quickly time flies and these events are a fantastic reminder to make the most of every moment.
What's something you've done that you're proud of?
Last year my friends and I founded BL’s first-ever Bangladesh Society. It was a challenge I was more than willing to take on and I'm so glad that I did. From creating a social media presence to organizing small-scale meetings and grand charity dinners, our society has grown so much since our initial plans over the summer. One thing, in particular, I am proud of is our MaaMonth campaign, supporting a charity that provides maternal aid in rural Bangladesh. We created eight unique events over the span of four weeks which ended up as a success beyond our wildest dreams. Despite having such a small society, we nearly ended up raising £1.5k which is phenomenal! Cheeky plug to go follow @blbsoc on Instagram to see all the content that I’ve created over the last couple of months! It's been an unforgettable experience and I'm proud of everything we've accomplished.
What is a problem facing students and how do you propose to fix it?
As someone who has experienced the overwhelming reality of medical school, I understand the lack of resources available. It is challenging to navigate through the course, especially coming in as a fresh-faced 18-year-old, expecting mark schemes and specifications. However, I have found that cultivating a community with both students and staff can make a world of difference. That's why I started my YouTube channel, 'Mez the Medic' - the feeling of people saying that I've positively impacted their journey is truly incomprehensible. It's amazing to see how creating content can be such a fantastic tool, and as your Engagement Officer, I am dedicated to shaping a prosperous future for our healthcare professionals of tomorrow. Together, we can make a difference and create a supportive community that will help us thrive throughout medical school and beyond.
