On Friday July 10, Harper Adams University College, Shropshire, will say an official farewell to 2007/8 Students' Union president Sue Bryan.
Sue, who graduated BSc (hons) Agriculture with Animal Science last September, has now handed control of the Union and its lively executive to Helen Plant, who will graduate with a BSc (Hons) Agri-food Marketing with Business Studies at the end of this summer.
Sue, 24, from East Leake, Loughborough, said: "The last year in this job has probably been one of the hardest, but the most rewarding position I have ever been in, heading up the Union with its social calendar, sports clubs and societies, bar, and funding raising activities.
"I met so many fantastic people, from the President of the NFU Peter Kendall, to all the new Freshers in September last year – it puts working life into perspective and gives you that all-new level of responsibility.
Asked about the highlights of her time as "the prez", the former Loughborough High School pupil said: "There are too many to list – the overall success of the year, the feedback that I have received from people who have just enjoyed it so much.
"The finale was the absolutely cracking Summer Ball – I've learned so much and met so many fantastic people, and so many folk have helped me out – I've truly appreciated that.
What skills has she gained? "Time management, people management (especially with a voluntary team), communication and presentation skills, the ability to gain and maintain respect, and the all- important patience!" says Sue, who has taken up a position with SCA Nutec in Thirsk, North Yorkshire.
She is working as a Technical Assistant/Ruminant Nutritionist. "The company manufactures vitamin and mineral premixes, pig feed, game feed and milk replacers, to name a few. I will be involved in the formulation of the feed mixes, the quality of raw materials and finished products, and problem solving within the technical team," Sue explained.
In the longer term, Sue's ambitions include "possible emigration to the southern hemisphere" – she did, after all, spend a year milking 900 cows in Australia before starting her studies at Harper Adams, "to start up my own beef herd, continue to have fun in life, and maybe buy another car before my dis-Astra dies!".
To Helen, Sue issued the following advice: "Never argue with drunks, try to stay as organised as possible, but acknowledge that you are never going to get everything right, talk to people about what they are enjoying and what they may be having issues with, don't be scared to ask advice from anyone – but make sure you act on advice wisely!
"Integrate as much as possible with the local community, not just through monetary donations, but actual time contributions to local projects and activities. Get some time out and have fun – it's a cracking year ahead!"
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And to her colleagues at the Shropshire campus, the outgoing president said: "Thank you for all your help over the past year, I couldn't have done it without quite a few of you!
"The SU is not just a social club, we achieve so much more, both within Harper and in the local community, and do truly appreciate staff involvement and support, it makes all the difference.
"The next few years will see significant change and development within this area, and it promises to be a really exciting time. I am sure our paths will cross in the future, and I look forward to it!"
Following in Sue's footsteps is Helen Plant, from Keele, Staffordshire. The former pupil of Madeley High School and Newscastle-under-Lyme College says she wanted to become the SU president because she "absolutely loved" her time studying at the UK's leading provider of higher education for the land-based industries.
"Harper Adams has been the most amazing four years! It's a unique place and I felt at home as soon as I arrived. I love the fact that everyone knows everyone else and as a student you can make things happen, from events to changes to your course.
"I loved getting involved, from playing rugby to being Secretary of the Summer Ball Committee for 2007-8. I wanted to be President to ensure that students next year have the same fantastic opportunities I did."
One of her specific aims, she says, is "to continue making sure our RAG team (Raise And Give – students raising money for charity) get the recognition they deserve and get them involved in the local community".
Helen also hopes to develop her public speaking skills.
Longer term, the 21-year-old would like to breed pedigree texel sheep and work in food retail. She completed her third year work placement with Made in Lancashire, a government funded project promoting local food and supporting local food producers, in conjunction with Food North West and Lancashire Rural Recovery Action Plan (LRRAP).
She says she gained valuable experience while based in the Rural Business Centre at Myerscough College, in Bilsborrow, near Preston.
