Let's say hello to...
From Valencia right to a Community Agenda
Hello! I’m Kirsty, your VP Student Communities, and I’m just about to graduate after four years at Heriot-Watt studying Spanish. I’m originally from Edinburgh, and honestly, I think Heriot-Watt gives you the best of both worlds. You feel like you’re in your own little campus bubble, but the city is still right there whenever you want it.
I absolutely loved my degree because of how practical it was. Language learning can feel really intimidating at times, but the Languages department is such a close-knit environment, and the staff genuinely make you feel seen. I don’t think I’d love Heriot-Watt as much without that community around me.
My journey here definitely didn’t look how I originally imagined it would. For the longest time, I thought I was destined for medicine, but somewhere along the way I realised that path wasn’t really mine anymore. Spanish had always been the subject that clicked for me, so I decided to completely change direction and just go for it. At the time, I was studying away from Edinburgh, but Heriot-Watt had always been sitting quietly at the back of my mind like it was waiting for me to figure it out, so here I am.
I didn’t properly get involved with the Union until fourth year after coming back from my year abroad in Valencia. I became a class rep, helped restart the Languages Society, and somehow ended up vice president of it too. Building that community again and connecting home students with exchange students was really special to me.
Now, as VP Student Communities, I want students to feel like they belong here no matter their background or experience. I want to be visible, approachable, and actually listening. For me, this role is about making sure students feel supported during the fun moments, the difficult moments, and everything in between. Welcoming is probably the Union value I connect with most because finding your people can completely shape your university experience. Empowering is right up there too. I really believe you are allowed to change direction, rewrite your plans, and steer your own path to make it your own.
Outside of the Union, travelling is basically one of my personality traits. I also love concerts. A quirky fact? Last month my friend and I flew to Valencia to see 5SOS, our favourite band, because let’s be honest…when will your favourite band ever play in your exchange city again?
Ways to get in touch with me...