In the second in a series of monthly profiles we meet Elaine Norton, one of the four newly elected SoR Student Observers to UK Council.
I study at the University of Salford and am in my first year. I was previously a mortgage underwriter for a bank handing out lots of large loans.
I became a student rep as I saw the potential of getting to know how universities and clinicians work together to make things better for radiographers. Getting to know my fellow students was also a key reason.
I was appointed as an observer at the SoR Annual Delegates Conference. It was a fantastic experience, meeting a room full of like-minded individuals who obviously had a passion for the profession was inspiring. By listening to the motions and discussions around them, and to hear what concerns radiographers out in the field have was enlightening.
I have recommended the experience to my fellow students, and I always encourage people from being so apathetic about unions and to get involved instead.
I am not sure what to expect from SoR Council meetings, but look forward to learning how the organisation works and to have a better understanding of my future profession.
On a personal level, I have spent many years worrying about why not to get involved rather than just getting stuck in. This changed after my husband died and I had to re-evaluate life without him.
I hope that I will 'feed' from the passion that I felt when I attended regional reps meetings and ADC when I attend Council. To share this position will take the pressure off time-wise while still allowing me to keep in touch with what's going on.
• Student Observers to council attend meetings to get the inside track on SoR policy and encouraged to offer the student's point of view as decisions are made. For the first time in SoR history, four students were nominated for the role this year; Elaine is joined in the role by Emma Rose, Andy Moore and Amanda McKenna. Visit the SoR website for more information or to contact one of the reps.
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