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I recently sat down with the UQ Union President, Jaafar Jabur, to discuss his role and get to know him, so our readers don’t have to – although, if you want him to, he will probably yap your ear off. He’s pretty passionate about his role.
What does it mean to be a UQU President?
“As part of being president, it is my job to ensure, fight and advocate so that the UQ Union is for students, is run by students and represents all students. My duty is to lead the union, and I really want to lead by example. There are lots of behind the scenes aspects of my role, like talking to UQ staff, sponsors, donors, and it involves a lot of quick thinking and problem solving. It is really important for me to have my ear to the ground, to be out there with the students so I can properly identify ways to improve the services that we provide, and what they may need from me.”
What’s your favourite part about your job?
“The people that I work with and the fact that we all bring unique perspectives to the Union due to our different backgrounds, talents and interests.”
How do you best represent students?
“I think through being a person of colour, I have a different perspective on how students from all differing cultures might need to foster a sense of belonging at uni. It is important for each student being able to create and maintain a social life and find community at UQ, which is an aspect of my job I really focus upon.”
How does it feel being President?
“Honestly, I absolutely love my job. Representing and advocating for students is something I am so passionate about doing, and doing well. President of the Union is the peak student representative role, and it is not something I take lightly. Honestly, it comes with a lot of pressure to make the right decisions. A big thing for me is to ensure that every SSAF dollar that we spend is going back to help students, whether that is through things like free food, discounted groceries, the appointments available through SAS, our clubs, collectives and societies, and of course, our student newspaper, Semper Floreat.”
Thanks for the shout-out. You mentioned the role carries a lot of pressure, do you ever question yourself?
“Honestly, on the personal side, there is a bit of imposter syndrome when being a Union executive. It’s a very unique situation to be in as President: I am a student, and I work for the students. There is a lot of self-doubt that comes with that, so I make it my mission every day to work extremely hard to ensure that I am doing the best I can for all students. But the personal development that comes with the role, through navigating sometimes difficult scenarios, money cannot buy. For example, leading a team through the election period, it takes a lot of problem solving and you learn a lot about working with different people. So, while I have some nervousness around the role at times, I remember that I genuinely care for and about the wellbeing of students, and that I am confident in my ability to do my best this year.”
What was your journey to get here?
“I started university in 2019, and pretty much immediately started getting involved in clubs and societies. I started my journey as a C&S executive in EdSoc, and I also volunteered in several other capacities throughout my time at UQ so far through C&S and general volunteering roles. [Editor’s note: So as not to bore unsuspecting readers with Jaafar’s entire LinkedIn profile statistics, and waste precious Semper space, we’ve left out his exact roles. There are at least ten different executive roles he’s held in different societies. We’d be here all day]. I became VP (Clubs and Societies) with the Union, and was responsible for overseeing C&S, and then was voted in as President in the 2024 student elections.”
Why is C&S so important to you?
“My involvement in clubs and societies at UQ has definitely shaped the person I am. I used to be pretty introverted, and working with so many people with different backgrounds and ideas, and leading those teams, has been the single most thing that has helped develop my understanding of myself. It is one of the main ways for students get involved in events and meet like-minded students, whether it is in their degrees, disciplines, hobbies or special interests. Personally, I’ve made so many friends and meaningful connections through my involvement in C&S, as well as developing my professional skills.”
Tell me about your experience volunteering.
“Volunteering is honestly one of the most precious things to me on earth. The action of giving your time, without being paid, for some cause or passion that you genuinely care about, is so special. Things like Morning Marmalade and Kampus Kitchen, the people who volunteer there truly care so deeply about students. I’ve loved my time volunteering, and don’t think I’ll ever stop volunteering for things I care about, even after uni.”
What would be your one piece of advice for students?
“Two words: get involved. In everything. Jump at opportunities.”
Written by Mollie Matthews
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