Meet Elisabeth Woodcock (Fr 2020), who has been elected Senior Student of St Andrew’s College for 2022. Elisabeth, a Sydney-sider at heart, is studying a Bachelor of Arts/Law, majoring in Politics and International Relations. We caught up with Lis to find out more about her and life at College.
What do you hope to achieve in your new role as Senior Student?
There is so much that the House Committee and Executive team hope to achieve in 2022. We’re in a very unique position, post-pandemic (touch wood), where we can introduce new social events, broaden the scope of social sports on the intercollegiate stage, and expand the performing arts program in a way that encourages students to explore new interests or engage in more social participation. Personally, throughout 2022 I will be focussing on upholding the College’s strong cultural foundations, whilst focussing specifically on equality and mental health within our community.
How did you find the election process?
The election process was certainly nerve wracking but extremely exciting. Walking into the dining hall on election night my heart rate was racing at 130 bpm. A lot of my friends were going for positions, so I was just as excited to see how they went too. And I definitely felt a little more at ease with such an incredible nominator, Liv Taylor. When the position was announced I was honestly just in complete shock, and I was even more excited once Pamela and Hannah’s names were announced. It’s really taken a while for reality to set in, but I don’t think the excitement will ever wear off.
Do you think the celebration of 20 Years of Undergraduate Women at St Andrew’s will affect your leadership?
The House Committee and Executive feel very privileged to be leading the College through such a monumental year. As we celebrate 20 years of undergraduate women, we hope to honour the generations of St Andrew’s women that have come before us, celebrate the successes that St Andrew’s women are achieving on community, national and global stages and we hope to continue paving the way for future St Andrew’s women.
What made you choose St Andrew’s?
I had heard a lot about St Andrews’ culture, opportunities and facilities from mates who had attended the college. As a competitive person, I knew I’d enjoy St Andrew’s in particular because of the College’s successes in Intercollegiate competitions and because of the remarkable students within the College, both of which would encourage me to push myself across all endeavours.
What other extra-curricular activities have you taken part in at College?
I’ve really tried to throw myself into everything at College, because I know I won’t have an opportunity like this again. In performing arts I’ve participated in Jam Nights, Palladian Dance, Choir and the DramSoc stage crew, and in sporting, I’ve participated in Rugby 7s, social touch and Diving. I’ve also enjoyed the College’s political discussion groups such as We Need to Talk and Drew’s News, and as a Pastoral Care Leader and Mentor this year I’ve thoroughly enjoyed giving back to the college where I can.
What’s the best thing about College?
The people within it. Everyone at College is so unique, and despite our differences, we are so united. I walk down the corridors and see people who have represented the country in their sport, people who have started their own businesses in cooking, art and jewellery making, people who have written and produced their own music, people who are ‘duxing’ their cohort in a subject, and people who have been able to teach children in remote school overseas for a year. We are exceptionally lucky to be surrounded by one another, and personally I find it pretty incredible simply seeing this community in action.