KIM Lockyer - VICE PRESIDENT FOR WELFARE & EQUALITY

Dearest Freshers,
Firstly, welcome home; because, Maynooth is about to become your home away from home. Here, I hope you will feel happy, safe, comfortable, accepted, challenged and loved.

If you don’t already know, my name is Kim or Kimbo, whatever you prefer, and I am your Vice President for Welfare and Equality. If you need absolutely anything throughout this year, please don’t hesitate to get into contact! Myself and the team here at Maynooth Students’ Union (MSU) will be here to help you muddle your way through until you find your feet, which you absolutely will!

Beginning college can be terrifying. I know. When I started college I was lost, terrified and totally overwhelmed. I spent a lot of first year eating my lunch in bathroom stalls because all of the people buzzing around the university was too overwhelming for my little anxiety- ridden self to handle. I had a panic attack in my first ever tutorial because I was asked to say my name and favourite colour out loud in front of about 20 people and honestly, I came very close to dropping out because my ill mental health had become so debilitating. I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that I get it!

I found myself in the then Welfare and Equality Officer’s office after my life had been pretty much turned upside down. I couldn’t look her in the eye and she had to go through breathing exercises with me because I was shaking and hyperventilating so much at even the thought of talking to her. She calmed me down and then gave me a little yellow bath duck whom I called Albert and carried with me up my sleeve for the rest of first year until I found my confidence and fell in love with the people around me, my course and Maynooth University. If I can do it, you absolutely can too!!

I can’t wait to meet you all!

Sending all the love and hugs and never forget to keep smiling no matter what,

Kimbo. X <3

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