VP EDUCATION CANDIDATES

Anastasia (Newt) Borzunova(they/them)

Fairness | Balance | Individuality

Why are you applying for this role?

I am applying for VP Education because, after three years at Essex, I want to contribute to the university's academic experience for future students. This year I attended an academic misconduct meeting regarding the use of AI for translation. Through that process, I learned that such use can be permitted with prior notice - I had not previously understood. As an international student, linguistic accessibility is deeply important to me. If elected, I aim to collaborate with the University to review and communicate policies regarding AI in education, focusing on them being transparent, fair, and easily understood by all students. I believe academic integrity and accessibility should coexist in balance, so every student can engage confidently with their studies.

What skills and experience would you bring to the role?

As a private English tutor for both children and adults, I design learning plans made specifically for the individual needs and learning styles of my students. This has developed my ability to explain complex expectations clearly, adapt communication across cultures and ages, and support students in building academic confidence. Additionally, I have experience as a programme developer for a teenage art residency, where I help review, revise, and implement educational processes. This role has strengthened my skills in policy interpretation, curriculum planning, feedback integration, and collaboration within educational teams. Across both roles, I have learned how to balance institutional standards with individual learning needs. This kind of approach is directly aligned with student representation. As the VP Education, I would bring a practical understanding of inclusive learning and policy clarity regarding academic support, ensuring that educational practice is shaped by the diversity of student needs.

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Audreileen Ngoh(she/her)

Empathic | Diligent | Undeniable

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Why are you applying for this role?

I want to be a voice for student who care about the outcome of their degree. As someone who understands the difficulties of being a uni student I would love to represent those who aren’t as open with their academic struggles and help them in a way they weren’t able to get

What skills and experience would you bring to the role?

I’ve always loved been a representative of students. All the way from way from secondary school, getting involved when I was in college and my current experience as a VP as part of the Francophone Society of our university. I will bring determination, ideas and a voice for all of us.

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Azmat Amarshi (she/her)

Creative | Hardworking | Caring

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Why are you applying for this role?

Growing up in Kenya, I have seen firsthand, the transformative power of education and the opportunities it creates. I believe I have the passion, commitment and leadership to help build an academic experience where students feel valued, represented and proud of their education. I am applying for VP Education because of my drive to make a real difference. I want students to feel confident bringing their concerns to me, knowing I can listen, represent them fairly and take action to ensure the issues are addressed. I am passionate about student representation and strongly believe that student voice shapes policy, teaching quality, assessment and overall academic experience. Whether it is physical, mental, financial struggles, I believe all students deserve a fair, inclusive and supportive education. By running for VP Education, I aim to turning all student feedback into action and ensuring every student's voice leads to real, positive change!

What skills and experience would you bring to the role?

I bring a combination of leadership, communication and problem-solving skills. I truly believe education is the stepping stone for the future. Therefore I have started many education projects, worked on volunteering initiatives and been representatives in student committees. This includes advocating/ creating awareness for girls rights to primary education and fundraising to support ECD aged children to nursery education. I have also worked with the AKF Kenya organization to start up value-based education systems for government schools. I have been a voluntary teacher for Islamic education too for 4 years. Being an Exec of the Law and Alwan societies, and Swimming/Waterpolo team, I believe I represent, advocate and support my peers. As a third-year Law Student, I am detail-oriented, focused and able to analyze and act on student feedback. I am ready to use these skills to empower students, influence university policy, and improve student experience at Essex.

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Chloe Jeffery (she/her)

Reliability | Results | Representation

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Why are you applying for this role?

I’m applying to continue as VP Education because, now more than ever, students need a strong voice. Essex is facing a major period of change, and students deserve leadership they can trust. Through strong relationships across the University, I make sure students are heard, their concerns taken seriously, and their priorities put first, because your experience matters and is at the heart of everything I do. From day one, my focus has been simple: turn student feedback into real impact. This year, I’ve made significant progress in strengthening support and enhancing representation. Now, I want to tackle the structural issues that shape students daily experiences, from timetabling to departmental opportunities and events, and ensure students are genuinely involved in decisions that affect their education. I’m ready to keep delivering, and to make sure that during this period of change, students are protected, represented, and truly heard.

What skills and experience would you bring to the role?

What you’ll get by voting for me:

Someone who takes your feedback seriously. I listen, act quickly, and push for solutions. Most student problems aren’t complex. They just require clear communication and real action.
Someone who will be your voice, even when it’s difficult. I speak up on the issues that matter, protect student interests, and challenge decisions constructively while maintaining the relationships needed to deliver real results.
Someone who thinks beyond Essex. I’ve led national campaigns on paid nursing placements, higher education funding reform, and maintenance loans, turning Essex issues into wider impact and demanding students are heard and prioritised. Big issues are not an excuse to give up, but to shout louder.
Someone with experience: Before my first term as VP Education, I served as a Convenor in the SU Education Team, representing students on committees, turning feedback into action, and building community and opportunities for postgraduate students.

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Yana Chaikovska (she/her)

Proactive | Diligent | Innovative

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Why are you applying for this role?

I am applying for VP Education because I want to continue strengthening student voice within the Students’ Union and the University at a higher level of responsibility. Through my work with the Student Union, I have seen how academic decisions shape students’ experiences, and this has motivated me to focus on ensuring that student perspectives are meaningfully represented in academic discussions. My priorities are to support academic change that is implemented thoughtfully, transparently, and with students at the centre of decision-making processes. Departments are not just administrative structures but academic communities and a “home” for students. A key focus of my approach would be safeguarding the quality, integrity, and sense of belonging that help students feel proud of their degrees and confident about progressing into further education or employment. Having worked closely with the postgraduate community, I am motivated to extend this engagement to all students, ensuring that they feel represented, supported, and confident in their education. The role of VP Education offers an opportunity to advocate professionally and constructively for student-focused academic policy, while encouraging innovative and inclusive approaches shaped by student feedback.

What skills and experience would you bring to the role?

As an alumnus and postgraduate student, I understand the challenges students constantly face, from academic pressure to uncertainty about careers after graduation. Through my experience within the Students’ Union and the academic community, I have developed strong organisational, communication, and project management skills. As VP Education, my focus is to translate students’ concerns into practical and achievable actions, and my approach is to take an active role in driving progress with a proactive and solution-focused mindset. For example, I have developed a postgraduate careers project designed to connect students’ real questions with honest insights from alumni and professionals, creating a long-term and accessible resource that I hope can continue to develop and improve in the future. At the same time, I want undergraduate students to have a genuinely positive university experience, one where they feel supported academically, confident about their future, and heard in decision-making processes. I bring commitment, accountability, and the determination to create meaningful impact for all students.

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