Meet your MCR President for 2020/21
Sandeep Unwith was recently elected Kellogg Middle Common Room (MCR) President for 2020/21. Here he tells us a bit about himself and the initiatives he and his fellow Committee members hope to implement over the coming academic year.
Tell us a bit about yourself
After graduating from my business and science degree at Imperial College London, I decided to move into finance, where I managed the UK Convenience Business for The Kraft Heinz Company. I subsequently worked for the Social Enterprise Investment Fund, where we invested into businesses that had clear aims to eradicate poverty and create equality.
Following that, I realised I wanted to create my own science-focused Investment fund. I Joined Oxford, to start my DPhil in anti-ageing therapies and the molecular biology of naked mole rats (those creatures that don’t age!) and now, in my final year, I am focusing on breast cancer metabolism. Subsequent to graduation, I hope to continue with my professional goals.
When I’m not working, I enjoy hanging out with friends in some of Oxford’s interesting bar, club and pub venues. I enjoy music production and I regularly produce music with fellow students, so you’ll often find me somewhere a bit loud!
How has your time at Kellogg benefited you?
Kellogg is a very special place; the more you engage, the more you will realise that. We are one of the most diverse colleges at Oxford University, by nationalities represented and by subjects studied, and the largest by student number. I’ve learned more beyond my subject of study than I could have imagined, which is all due to the diversity of students that Kellogg attracts each year, in terms of subject, nationality, age and profession.
Personally I have benefited from a network of mentors and friends that I have built throughout my time at the College. I have formed great memories at Kellogg and I can guarantee that if you put in the time to attend events, and get to know your peers, it will be no different for you.
Why did you run for MCR President?
This is my fourth and final year as a student at Oxford University. This comes after serving as Social Secretary (2018), Junior Dean (2018-2019), Strategy and Development Officer (2019-2020) and Ball President (2019-present). Each role has enabled me to see Kellogg College MCR from many perspectives; I have seen what we do well, and areas where we can improve.
This insight, coupled with a desire to drive change and support our student body through arguably its most difficult year ever, led me to run for this role. I want to deliver what you deserve as a student body and support you in the best way that I can.
What do you hope you can achieve during your tenure?
I have set out three overarching aims which the MCR committee are aligned to:
- Supporting the student body through COVID-19: We will be switching our attention to addressing your specific requests and needs as students this year. This year is all about innovating and doing things differently, but also building future models of working, that allow us to do things better in normal times, too. I hope that the virtual changes that we implement are sustainable and become part of catering to our part-time and distance learning students.
- Diversity and Inclusion: My goal is to ensure that no matter your age, mode of study, subject, country location, or personal situation, Kellogg College and Oxford, is a once in a lifetime experience for everyone, not only those students living on site. Achieving this goal requires us to analyse and redesign our offering as a student body, so that there is something for everyone
- Networking: We want you to make the most of your time at Oxford. Kellogg’s diversity makes it the perfect place to learn from one another and make lifelong connections and friendships, which continue not only during, but also beyond your experience at Kellogg.
What would you want your legacy to be?
Via the initiatives we are implementing this year, it is my goal that Kellogg MCR becomes the leading light across the University for supporting diversity, inclusion, and equality, and that we become the best inter and intra-linked College across the Oxford collegiate system.
What advice would you give to new students coming to Oxford?
– Spend time getting to know your peers at Kellogg, particularly during Welcome Weeks. It is the best time for bonding and making friends.
– Find time in your schedule to explore new things before selecting the ones that you will spend most of your time on.
– Always reach out for advice and support. In our 1500 member College, there will always be someone — student or alumni — to talk to.
– Leave Oxford with more than just a diploma, certificate or degree. Leave with a network and great memories.
Please reach out if you have any questions, suggestions or if you’re just looking for a chat on email sandeep.unwith@kellogg.ox.ac.uk, Facebook or LinkedIn