STUDENT VOICE | Page 25

sometimes make us feel warm and bubbly inside but, sadly, these categories can sometimes have their own stereotypes and unwelcome stigmas attached. College for three years. Hafsa hopes to utilise the skills she has learned to make a change within Ayrshire and eventually beyond. Some of us by nature are naturally more reserved and quieter than others, but progressively over time, as citizens of a democratic country, we have become very aware of our rights and have, boldly, grasped this opportunity with both hands. Not only has this right encouraged us to address more specific and subjective issues such as abortion, euthanasia or the death sentence, but has also, over the past thirty years in particular, encouraged some of us to become more open about private matters such as sexuality and religious beliefs. Outside of her studies, she is devoted to improving the lives of the people around her and strives to encourage the students of Ayrshire College to stand up for their beliefs but also to watch out for stereotypes and help each other. At Ayrshire College, one student in particular strongly believes in the benefits of speaking out and thinks that young adults in Ayrshire should be able to “express themselves without being stereotyped… and encouraged to voice their opinions”. Hafsa Mansoor is currently studying Social Science at Higher National Diploma level and has been attending Ayrshire THE STUDENT VOICE: EDITION 4 With the hope of opening students’ minds and increasing their awareness of various views and opinions, she has founded a debate club at the Kilmarnock Campus. students distinguish between objective and subjective information or fact and opinion. As a Muslim, Hafsa explained that when she first started attending college in Ayrshire, she noticed that people were hesitant to discuss her religion and appearance. It was later, after she had settled, she found out that these people (now her friends) had been afraid of being categorised as “racist” for challenging or questioning her beliefs. She asks, “How are people to understand without asking questions?” and insists that although she might come across as a little crazy or weird; she is very approachable and welcomes any questions. If you are interesting in being a participant of the Ayrshire College Debate Club at the Kilmarnock Campus Hafsa says “a pro of the club of Ayrshire College, please is that it will build students’ come along to the lecture confidence, encourage them to hall between 1-2pm on voice their opinions and help Wednesdays from now until the end of term. Take the them to develop their public opportunity to learn some new speaking”. These are all skills skills, meet some new people which will be beneficial both and practice speaking out! To within and out with the college. find out about Hafsa’s other projects or to chat about what She believes that people in else is going on, come along today’s society are constantly and chat to either the Student exposed to information which President or a member of the has been tainted by the media Student Council (office located and personal opinions of others in the front foyer). with different circumstances or beliefs. She claims that the aim of the debate club is to help 25