Vinushan is a Programming Student at De Montfort University and will be graduating this year. He is currently working as a Student Engagement Associate for DMU’s Special Projects Officer and Race Equality Advisor to improve engagement between students and the University Ecosystem. Vinushan is passionate about campaigning for change and advises the Faculty Race Equality Boards on how best to be inclusive and considerate of all races. He is also very interested in politics and likes to keep up to date with current affairs.
1) Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
I was born in Denmark, but the place I feel most at home is here in Britain and especially the city of Leicester. I have lived in Leicester since the age of 7 and I’m very proud to call it my city.
2) What are your proudest achievements?
I ran an online 24-hour fundraiser for the Women’s Aid charity during lockdown to raise money for their vital call centre services for victims of abuse. Thanks to the help from my friends and the kindness of strangers, it was successful and it is nice to know that I helped.
3) What inspires you?
To make my mum proud. She has been through a lot in her life, especially having to raise four young children on her own due to life circumstances so I’m determined to make something out of my life that will make my mum happy and rest easy
4) What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
Self-doubt and anxiety. It has taken a lot of effort to put myself out there, growing up I was always the quiet one in classrooms at school and sometimes I catch myself letting these things hold me back even now.
5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
My mother. She is my role model and she has always believed in me and my ability to do well in anything I set out to do.
6) What is the best aspect about your current role?
Meeting new people and having the chance to be able to effect change that will last for future generations of staff and students.
7) And the worst?
The feeling that change isn’t happening, or that it is happening very slowly. It takes a lot of patience and manoeuvring to change age-old systems that have been in place for a long time and supported by those unaware of its flaws.
8) What are your long term goals?
To find a career in computing at a reputable company, and to continue with campaign work for change across society to make life for the better.
9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
So many things come to mind but first and foremost I would make misogyny a hate crime. It is quite shocking to realise that this hasn't happened yet and doing this can enable us to address deeper issues caused by misogyny.
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why.
I would love to spend some time with Sir Winston Churchill. I would want to hear about his resilience and strategies during the ‘darkest hour’ of Britain standing alone against Nazi Germany in World War 2.
