Name: Matt Crilly
Age: 20
Year of study: Third.
Bio: I grew up in a town outside Edinburgh. Going through school I quickly developed an interest in history and politics. Thus, when I found myself pondering over universities in sixth year, I was immediately drawn to Glasgow; a hotbed of grassroots political activism.
Area of volunteering/societies?
Strathclyde Students for Palestine, Students for Independence Strathclyde and general leftist political groups and causes.
What inspired you to volunteer?
Following the soul-crushing Yes defeat in the 2014 Scottish Independence referendum, I could not bring myself to just ‘let it go’. The ideas which had spawned from the mass political participation in the country had left me feeling energised and hopeful over the direction we were headed. Thus, upon returning to Strathclyde for my second year, I held a burning desire to continue discussing and debating politics on a daily basis. It was this wish which drew me to USSA’s political societies. I am now president of two such societies.
Why should others volunteer?
The primary benefit to getting involved in USSA’s societies is the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals. Prior to my involvement in Strathclyde’s clubs & societies, I harboured deep political convictions though never acted upon them. It was not until joining the political groups at USSA, where I quickly became surrounded by people similar to myself, that I felt sufficiently empowered to fight for what I believed to be right. Therefore, my advice would be: If injustice sickens you, don’t just sit back shaking your head disapprovingly; be active! Join the societies campaigning on campus for change. You would be surprised what we can achieve.
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