"I first thought about volunteering when I realized that, when applying to study at university level, my UCAS personal statement was pretty thin!"
Jonathan Koh, Computer Science, seasonal volunteer in various roles, including GCSE and sports tutor, and Chinese Students Society adviser
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"In the beginning of my second year, I was working at the Freshers' Fair as part of the Student Welcome Team and noticed the volunteering stand. Last year, I volunteered 3 hours a week for the whole academic year and I'll definitely continue this year, too. Through this experience I developed my communication skills whilst gaining work experience and playing an active role in the community."
Tania Roquette, B.A (HNS) Business Administration, SHINE tutor
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"During my time in the Holy Cross Centre Trust, I have been learning not to get emotionally or personally involved, and we are not allowed to give out our personal contact details. There have been incidents of stalking and other difficulties in the past so they are caring for our safety. Personally, I have never had any problems with anyone. One of the unexpected benefits of volunteering is the relationships I built with other volunteers. My first impression of them was that they were cold as they were considerably older than me and from different cultures but I soon realised that these things did not matter when we all pulled together as a team and everyone took on initiative as well as responsibility".
Marissa Lima, Human Nutrition, Holy Cross Centre Trust
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"I was initially interested as I was completing a degree project about school furniture and I thought it would be a chance to find out how furniture is utilised within a classroom setting. I also liked the idea of assisting the school and adding a new topic to the after school curriculum. I got far more out of my time at the school than I had ever expected. It gave me the chance to experience a different environment, get a taster of a career and get an insight into the way children view furniture. I found it personally rewarding too. The children appreciated the time I spent with them and the school was very positive about my input too. It's been a brilliant experience all round."
Susan Bradley, Furniture Design & Technology, After-School Art Club Facilitator
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"As a Law student, gaining practical experience is essential. Volunteering has been the easiest and most relevant way for me to achieve this goal. I previously volunteered for a recycling project but my involvement was restricted to basic office work. It was quite frustrating and I lost enthusiasm quickly. With the Appropriate Adult scheme, I deal with people in demanding circumstances, using my communication skills to appease any friction that may occur between the young person and the police. I'm gaining experience that is relevant to my legal career and know that I am making an immediate difference."
Chris Gape, Law CPE, Appropriate Adult Service
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"As an international student, volunteering is a way for me to meet new people and get work experience in the UK. This position enabled me to get a footing in the London jobs market. It's well known that employers look for graduates with work experience. Since volunteering, I feel more confident about my chances of finding paid work. The placement wasn't without its problems! Before I could begin creating the database I had to collate all the information from a number of sources. It was quite a challenge - particularly as I only had two hours a week and was under a deadline to get the database finished. However, during this process I met many staff members, improved my communication and time-management skills and learnt how do deal with the challenges that occur in a working environment. I gained so much from this experience and have recommended volunteering to other international students."
Donald Mhaiki, Computing and Information Systems, IT Support at Survivors UK
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"The volunteering project I have been involved with is officially recognised by the Teacher Training Agency. I volunteer for two teaching projects but still only give up three hours a week. The variety has enabled me to try out different teaching styles and feel more confident in the classroom. It's a chance to work as a personal tutor and get in touch with the National Curriculum. The fact that the project is recognised by the Teacher Training Agency is another big plus. My interview for the PGCE course is coming up and I intend to take my SHINE certificate along as evidence of the work I have achieved. I've also learnt about the specific issues of working with people with mental health problems. Some of the women lack English skills and many of them have poor memories. I've had to improve my communication skills, remain patient and use memory aids such as review sessions and worksheets. It's been quite a learning curve, but a worthwhile and rewarding one."
Nafeesa Ahmed, Business Information Technology, SHINE and Community IT Tutor
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"My job is mostly deskbound. Volunteering enables me to experience new environments and gain new skills...I've met people of different ages, cultures and religions: all with unique views and perspectives. Volunteering has helped me feel more engaged with the community and more active in bringing about change. I would recommend it to anyone."
Debbie Quinlan, Administrative Officer for the Department of Business Studies, involved in various one-off activities
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"Most of my work is involved at the strategic level of planning and implementing programmes and projects that will improve the lives of people in disadvantaged areas, so direct contact with children who are the intended beneficiaries is a constant reminder of why one is doing it. In any case, meeting with Zinat and Inas once a week to play games that are great fun as well as increasing their literacy and numeracy skills and their general knowledge, is a great joy."
Jennie Somerville, Director of the London Office, Games Partner at St Pauls Primary School
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"For me volunteering is a social activity, I get to meet a really diverse group of people who I may not have met in my everyday life. Sometimes, at 8am on a Sunday morning when I am standing outside the kitchen I think I am mad for choosing to be there rather then still warm in bed, but I like to think if in my life I needed help, there would be people willing to give up their time to help me."
Shauna Arnold, Careers Adviser, Department of Student Services, Kitchen Assistant and Chair of Sunday Service Committee, The Food Chain
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"Volunteering has really been an opportunity to use my skills and make a difference to those that need some support. It has been challenging at times and can be very time intensive, but the rewards of knowing that you are helping someone make it all worthwhile. I have met many people through the charity work and the skills I have developed in this forum are certainly are used in my day-to-day work too."
Neelam Thapar, Careers Adviser, Student Services, Careers Consultant for the UK Thalassaemia Society
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