Name & Role:
Elain Gwynedd (her/she) – Welsh Culture Officer and UMCA President.
S’mai! I’m Elain and I’m back for another year as your Welsh Culture Officer and UMCA President at Undeb Aberystwyth. I was brought up in Menai Bridge, Anglesey but I moved to Aberystwyth September 2020 to study a degree in Welsh. I’m really looking forward to another successful year with UMCA and very excited to welcome the Intercollege Eisteddfod to the College by the Sea March 2025.
Tell us an interesting or random fact about yourself...
I am the first UMCA president ever to stay in the role for two years in a row!
Choose three words that best describe you:
Passionate. Hard-working. Happy.
It’s your last meal on earth…what’s on the menu? & which 3 celebrities would you invite for food?
Sweet and sour chicken, rice and salt and pepper chips please, from Chan’s Felinheli with Manon Steffan Ros, Paul McCartney and Aaron Ramsey.
What are your hobbies or interests?
Singing and acting. Sports (netball, football, rugby, paddleboarding). Reading and creative writing.
Why did you choose to stand for this role?
First off, I’m extremely passionate about Welsh and the right to receive education through the medium of Welsh, and so applying for the role of the Union’s Welsh Culture Officer was a natural step, in my opinion. I’m also extremely thankful for all the experiences I’ve had through being an UMCA member over the past four years, and I therefore hope to give the same valuable experiences to UMCA members for the second time this year.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
Without a doubt, the Intercollege Eisteddfod! The Eisteddfod travels around Welsh Universities and it’s an amazing experience to be UMCA President whilst the Eisteddfod will be here.
What are some of the causes you care about?
- Ensure that Welsh is visible within the Union.
- Develop the provision of Welsh medium modules.
- Organise a slew of exciting events for UMCA members throughout the year.
- Attract more learners to UMCA events, like Sŵn
What is your favourite Aberystwyth hangout?
Yr Hen Lew Du, of course!
If you could be an animal what would you be and why?
If I were to be an animal, I would be a horse. I have been doing horse riding since I was about 6, and the idea of running wild in fields appeals greatly!
What one thing do you think everyone should do/try at least once in their lifetime? (give a personal example if you want)
Easy answer – visit the National Eisteddfod! This is the highlight of my year, every year!
You are on your way to work on a Monday morning…what song comes on as your soundtrack?
Dal Dig - BUDDUG
Name a favourite place you have visited and why.
I love travelling and one of my favourite places to visit is Paris because it’s a beautiful city full of culture.