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Free University of Bozen-Bolzano

Students

In Their Words #4. Student Representative Alessia Farinola

"It showed me that the role really can make a difference when people feel they have someone to turn to".
A young woman is seated on a bench and looking to the left. She laid her head on her hands.
Alessia Farinola, Student representative 2024–25. Photo: Alessia Farinola

I ran for election because I genuinely wanted to contribute to shaping a more open and communicative environment within our course. I felt that students needed a voice to express concerns, share feedback, and build a better connection with the faculty, and I wanted to help facilitate that. I also believed that a stronger student-faculty relationship could improve our overall learning experience and sense of community.

I expected my role to be mostly about practical tasks: sharing announcements, attending meetings, and relaying feedback. But I also hoped it would be a chance to encourage more student participation and create a space where people felt comfortable speaking up. I imagined it as a behind-the-scenes role, but I quickly realised how visible and influential it could be.

What I found really nice and a bit surprising was that students actually started to trust me and came to me with their problems or concerns. It showed me that the role really can make a difference when people feel they have someone to turn to. Their openness made me realise how important it is to simply be available and listen sincerely.

I’d rate the experience as a student representative very positively. It’s been both challenging and rewarding. It taught me a lot about communication, patience, and how institutions work behind the scenes. It also gave me a stronger sense of responsibility, as I realised how even small decisions can affect many people.

To future representatives, I’d suggest being approachable and consistent. It's not just about representing people in meetings; it's about being present, listening without judgment, and following through. Also, don’t be afraid to try small initiatives. Even little changes can have a big impact when done thoughtfully. And remember, your attitude can set the tone for how others engage, lead by example.

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