"I grew up in Kenya, in the city of Nairobi. It is a big bustling city and when I started looking to go to university, I decided that I wanted to study in a small town for a bit of a change.

I was looking for a course in film studies and going through the UCAS handbook, I came across a film studies and Informatics/computing course which appealed to me. At the time only a few universities offered this particular course - Kent, Queens in Belfast, Buckinghamshire Chilterns, Stirling and Lampeter.

Lampeter appealed to me because it was the small town I was looking for. I arrived here on a wet evening in September 2001. It was the first time I had ever been to the town and I remember it rained constantly for the first few days but I enjoyed the change in climate as it had been very hot when I left Nairobi.

My first week here was quite strange because I arrived before the bulk of the student population. I was in a completely new place and I was in a room all on my own - but at the same time it was exciting and I was looking forward to meeting new people and getting into student life. Lampeter as a place was easy to settle into and to adapt to. Most of the people I met were friendly and willing to give a helping hand.

The porters at reception were particularly friendly and willing to offer a helping hand. Back home we had to boil all our tap water to make it safe for drinking. I was not sure if the same applied here so I asked a porter in the student halls if the water was safe to drink. He laughed and said I could drink as much water as I wanted! It makes me laugh now when I look back but that moment made me realise that I had come to an entirely different place.

I became involved with the Students' Union by accident. A new post of International Students Officer had been created in 2002. I'd been doing quite a bit around the union - stewarding, playing rugby, participating in clubs, societies and associations and generally helping out - when the President at the time asked if I would like to be the International Students' Officer. It won't be much work, she said, all you need to do is come to meetings.

I accepted the offer but time was soon to prove that the role was more than just turning up to meetings. I was often the first point of contact for many international students and I dealt with a variety of issues and problems. These ranged from renewing visas to queries about improving their English language skills, organising trips and events like the International Food Week, raising awareness about international issues on campus. With the help of a brilliant committee, we made it a successful and memorable first year for the international students' campaign in Lampeter.

I was the International Students Officer for two years before I decided to stand for election as President in 2004. The President's role is important the union. It is a position where one is responsible for representing students locally and nationally as well as ensuring that the union operates as it should.

Prior to making my decision to stand for election I had spoken to students to find out what they would like their union to deliver. I got support from my fellow students and it was an honour to be elected. Upon election it became evident to me that it was more of a challenge than I had thought it was going to be. This motivated me to work harder and I put my heart and soul to fighting for students and endeavoured to work with my colleagues to enhance the student experience.

The role of President of is quite unique. The position comes with a lot of responsibility and power, and it is up to an individual to decide how they use that power. I have tried to be apolitical and to take a pragmatic approach, doing what is right for students and putting students first in everything I do.

The union is very important here. For students in big cities, everything is accessible. In Lampeter, the union has to provide a lot more for students - it offers support, advice and employment (the union is the biggest student employer in Lampeter), with a shop, a bar and a night club. The union is also the main provider of entertainment and offers wide variety of student activities. In some respects, the union takes on the role of a substitute parent. The union building is like a second home to many students and even if we cannot help, we know someone who can.

Lampeter provides lots of opportunities for everyone from all walks oflife. Being here has enabled me to achieve things I could never have dreamt of. I was the first international and black student to be elected as president and I was also the first president to be elected for a second term in office. I have enjoyed my two year tenure enormously. I have placed myself in a position of responsibility and have given something back to both the students and the town of Lampeter. I have made really good friends and I hope I have been a good leader and made a positive impact to the student experience here.

When my term in office ends in July 2006, I hope to do a Masters degree in a difference place. Lampeter is a lovely place and I would be quite happy to stay but I want to travel and experience a different place. I am looking at courses in both the U.K. and overseas. Ultimately I would like to go back home to Kenya, but I will keep an open mind about it. Life has been a brilliant and memorable journey so far, who knows where it will take me next?"

By Harun Getui
President Lampeter Students Union 2004-06