Pedro Monteiro got into Instituto Superior Técnico to study Mechanical Engineering. In his second year, he changed to Aerospace Engineering. He is now doing a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering and Management at Taguspark campus. On November 14 he took office as the new president of the Técnico Students’ Union (AEIST).
He has already explored many academic experiences at Técnico. In an interview, the student shares some of his ambitions for the current term.
What made you consider running for this position?
Pedro Monteiro (PM): I applied for this position because, above all, I think I have something to give not only to the AEIST but also to Técnico. My vision will add something positive to academic life and students’ experience, not only at Técnico but at national level – the AEIST, from a historical point of view, has always had a very active and constructive role in national forums. We intend, throughout this new mandate, to provide an increasingly dynamic experience, working on the issues affecting higher education at the moment.
And what are the most pressing needs of the academic community?
PM: AEIST has a very varied scope of action. There are issues that need to be resolved, such as student accommodation, and student mental health… we also work with university sports to promote the well-being of the student community. But the academic experience also has many other aspects, and that’s why the Students’ Union has several areas of action, namely the services provided at “Secção de Folhas”, the management of the sports fields… all these activities provide Técnico students with a more harmonious academic experience.
What are the main issues that AEIST intends to defend and represent?
PM: We have three basic principles that guide us. Defending the rights and interests of students is of crucial importance to any students’ union and must be the basis of our work. Then, another important aspect that we defend is communication – improving effective communication with students. AEIST has many initiatives and activities, which makes it difficult to communicate effectively with students. We’re trying to achieve this goal by getting closer to the students’ organisations. Finally, we want to continue our commitment to university sports.
What can students expect from this mandate?
PM: Above all, they can continue to count on AEIST’s critical spirit and relationship with Técnico governing bodies, so that the voice of students is heard by those who are effectively the decision-makers of the institutions. In addition, I want to revive and strengthen the bridge between AEIST and the students. Obviously, students feel represented by their students’ union, there’s no doubt about that, but questions such as “what does the AEIST do?”, “what motions has AEIST written over the last month?”, “what has been discussed at meetings with the Governing Board or Pedagogical Council?”… We want to make the student community more aware of the work carried out throughout the year so that they become aware that we work every day to defend their rights and interests.
