New Chairperson of the Student Union: ‘The Student Is the Driving Force of the University’

Elizabete Maija Liepa, a 3rd year medical student at the Faculty of Medicine, took over the leadership of the the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Student Union (Studējošo pašpārvalde, SP) on 1 December 2022. Liepa was previously the Head of International Affairs.

She has been involved with RSU SP for the past two years having heard about it in a freshmen seminar after which she immediately wanted to get involved.

Elizabete Maija Liepa in June 2022 in Murjāņi. Photo: Edgars Grundšteins

Why does the university need the Student Union?

The union allows student voices to be heard in any RSU process. As the student is the main driving force of the University, the Student Union is an asset both to us and to the University.

RSU SP provides a platform for students to develop, a place to spend their free time outside studies, and to network with other students. Furthermore, it serves to improve the study process and the environment by working with RSU academic and administrative staff,

because no one else can describe the on-going processes at the University and the impact on students as well as students themselves.

What currently worries the RSU students the most?

The biggest concern for students not only at RSU, but all over Latvia, is how the energy crisis and the possible return of the COVID-19 pandemic might affect studies in the future. Students have recently been through a long period of distance learning that they are very reluctant to return to. It is important to evaluate which good practices can be taken away from the pandemic without forgetting the importance of face-to-face studies.

September 2021. Student Union New Members Seminar. In the foreground: Elizabete Maija Liepa. 2nd row from the left: Alise Antuanete Sniķere, Elizabete Paula Valguma, Dins Mironovs. Photo from the Student Union’s archive

The new year has brought new inspiration and ideas, but the projects that were started in the previous year also need attention.

Jauns gads nācis ar jaunu iedvesmu un idejām, tomēr arī iepriekšējā gadā iesāktie projekti prasa uzmanību un rūpes.

One of the biggest events of the year organised by the RSU Student Union is approaching fast – the RSU International Student Conference Health and Social Sciences, which will take place on 27 and 28 March. After that, RSU SP will celebrate its 30th anniversary. And then comes summer! This year we will definitely focus on the quality of the events we organise, celebrating our anniversary throughout the year.

Currently, we are working on updating our visual identity and improving research support mechanisms such as the Student Research and Innovation Grants. We also want to continue working on focusing students’ mental health and expanding support mechanisms.

RSU Student Union Board 2023 and administrators. In the centre – Elizabete Maija Liepa. Photo from the Student Union’s archive

Why did you want to become the chairperson?

I saw it as an opportunity to pass on my understanding and vision of the union, how students should feel and interact within it.

I will use the knowledge I have accumulated over the last two years to create a learning environment that I would like to return to, as well as to pass my knowledge on to my successors. 

Do you use both your names in your daily life, or just your first – Elizabete?

I am more often called Elizabete in everyday life. I am sometimes called Maija by my family or back home in Garkalne. To my colleagues and friends, I am Elizabete. I associate this name more with my life and studies here in Riga.

2022. RSU Student Union Chair Toms Mārtiņš Smilga and current RSU Student Union Chair Elizabete Maija Liepa. May 2022. Planting a sakura in RSU Inspiration Park as part of the Union’s project Zaļš. Photo from the Student Union’s archive

What is the most important thing you want to achieve as chairperson?

I want to show that this organisation is open and inclusive, that every RSU student is part of the Student Union, and that everyone can find a place to achieve their goals and to contribute.

Strengthening our cooperation with the International Student Association (ISA) is key to achieving this goal.

Strategic Seminar of the RSU Student Union. July 2022. From the left: Inga Barvika, Elizabete Maija Liepa. Photo from the Student Union’s archive

Why did you choose to study medicine three years ago?

During secondary school, there were three very different fields of study that appealed to me. Medicine was one of the options, but I had also long considered studying diplomacy or serving in the Latvian National Armed Forces. In the end, I chose medicine because it is a field that has been close to my heart since childhood. I have always liked to study processes and understand how things work, as well as to help others, so I chose medicine.

How do you manage to combine studying medicine and performing your duties as chairperson?

I’m that kind of person – the more I have to do, the more I get done. Over the years, I have found that studying and working in the union can be combined. It is an environment that has been intertwined with medical studies since the first year and has provided countless opportunities for self-development. I am able to help others and feel fulfilled.

Seven quick questions for Elizabete Maija Liepa

1. What are you addicted to?
   • Art and sports.
2. If you were offered to go skydiving, would you do it?
   • Yes, without a doubt!
3. What would you like to learn?
   • Spanish.
4. What are you afraid of?
   • Mediocrity.
5. What do you do best?
   • Keep calm when others are worried.
6. What do you dislike?
   • Being late.
7. What would be the worst betrayal to you?
   • Lying.

RSU Student Union Board for 2023 Elected