I first joined the Politics society in my first year when I went to the Activities Fair. I'd started studying Politics and I wanted to know more people on my course and get involved with departmental activities.

Every year, we go on a trip abroad. We've been to Dublin and Amsterdam and it was our first trip to Paris where I properly felt part of the society. I realised how important the group was and I met loads of new people that I now consider to be my best friends.

In my second year I became the Events Secretary, organising society events and activities and then this year, my third year, I've been Secretary General and Vice President. I'm in charge of administrative tasks like looking after the list of members (we have 380 members!) and sending weekly emails. I joined the Societies Committee this year and I've been a Departmental and Academic Liason Officer. My role is to use my experience to help, support, promote, represent and develop societies. I check with them to see if things are going ok and try and help.

The Societies Flashdance was so fun this year. It was great to organise this with the Activities Officer and to see all the different societies who get involved, not just dance societies. We had people from all sorts of areas, from English Soc to RAG, who aren't dancers but were just there to represent and have fun. I somehow ended up in the main group with the best dancers!

I'm most proud of improving communication with the committee and members of Politics Society by introducing a weekly email. I try to make it entertaining as well as add useful information. I've now become known Mary who writes the funny emails!

I don't have many plans for after Graduation right now but I think it's my experience from societies that will help me more than my actual degree. I have learnt so many things, such as how to manage conflict, work as a team, and manage events which hopefully will make me stand out from the crowd.

Before Uni, I was quite shy and wouldn't put myself forward for many things. But my experience being involved in so many things at the Students' Union has definitely increased my confidence. I even ran for Activities Officer this year which I would never have imagined 3 years ago!