Vasiliki Papadima - SVL of the Year 2025/26 Faculty of Business & Law
Vasiliki Papadima, SVL of the Year 2025/26 — Faculty of Business & Law
If I could give one piece of advice to every Middlesex student, it would be this: become a Student Voice Leader. I never imagined that one student leadership role would become the most valuable part of my university experience.
What SVL Taught Me
When I first joined Middlesex, I thought university was simply about attending lectures, completing assignments, and earning a degree. Being a Student Voice Leader showed me that real change starts with listening. Every conversation with a student taught me something new about the university experience. It wasn't about finding problems, it was about understanding them and working together with students and staff to improve them.
One Conversation That Changed Everything
While speaking with students, I realised that many were happy to give feedback but rarely knew what happened afterwards. That made me ask a simple question: what if students could actually see the impact of their feedback?
That question became Project Polis, a concept designed to make student feedback more transparent and visible. What started as a conversation developed into a project that I later presented at the Learning and Teaching Conference, the Pre-Conference Learning Showcase, and the What's Your Big Idea entrepreneurship programme. None of this would have happened if I hadn't become a Student Voice Leader.
Recognition & Impact
Along the way, I had the privilege of working with inspiring students and university staff, contributing to projects that improve the student experience, and developing skills that I know will stay with me throughout my career.
I was honoured to receive two awards: Student Voice Leader of the Year for the Faculty of Business and Law and Outstanding Contribution to Student Life. These recognitions mean a great deal to me but what matters most is knowing that the work made a difference.
More Than an Education
Student Voice helped me discover something much bigger than I expected. It gave me confidence, helped me find my purpose, and inspired my passion for governance.
My time at Middlesex gave me much more than an education. It showed me that one conversation can become an idea, one idea can become a project, and one student really can make a difference.
So if you're thinking about becoming a Student Voice Leader, take that first step. It might change the university experience for someone else. It might also change your own.
Don't forget to stay updated — follow us on our social media pages:
