At ARU Students' Union, we believe that everyone who spends their spare time to volunteer is a superstar! The volunteering that you are undertaking is helping students within Anglia Ruskin University, and we believe that your efforts, motivations, accomplishments and inspirations should all be celebrated. If you are, or know of a student who is an elected Representative or a Club or Society Committee Member, and you believe their volunteering work should be celebrated, you can nominate them to win one of our 2 monthly awards on your campus. Click here for more information. 

For now, join us in celebrating this month's winners!

Volunteer role: Rep of the Month - Cambridge - Course Representation

Name: Katie Isaacs

Course: Photography

1. What are your main duties and how do you help others?

My main duties involve ensuring the voice of my classmates is heard and that they know they can confide in me for anything they feel needs to be addressed. This is so rewarding, as I feel I can make a difference to not only my friends' experiences, but those that will follow. 

2. What have you enjoyed most about volunteering?

I have truly enjoyed making a statement with my position and being able to express things I otherwise may have not been able to. The best part of being a rep is seeing the issues you raised being changed and seeing the difference it makes. 

3.  What skills have you learnt and used through your volunteering?

A main skill set I have learnt is in speaking out to people that I may be nervous to address. The SSLC meetings can be quite intimidating as there are a lot of students and staff who are solely listening to me, but when I utilised this idea it became a strength, I ensured my voice was heard and gained a lot of confidence in my role throughout the year and saw the differences I made! 

Volunteer role: Committee Member of the Month - Treasurer of Indian Society (Cambridge)

Name: Prisha Dharmendra Shah

Course: Bsc Psychology (hons) with Clinical Psychology

As treasurer of the Indian Society at Anglia Ruskin University Cambridge, my main duties involve managing the society's finances, budgeting for events and activities, keeping accurate records of income and expenses, and ensuring financial transparency and accountability. Additionally, I collaborate with other members to organize cultural events, ensuring they are inclusive and accessible to all students, particularly international students. By effectively managing the society's funds, I help ensure the smooth functioning of events and activities, ultimately benefiting the members of the society and the broader university community. What I've enjoyed most about volunteering as the treasurer of the Indian Society is the opportunity to apply my financial skills and knowledge in a practical setting while also contributing to the vibrant cultural and social life on campus. It's fulfilling to see the impact of well-managed finances on the success of events and initiatives that bring people together and celebrate diversity. Creating an inclusive environment for international students has been particularly rewarding, as it fosters a sense of belonging and unity within the university community. Through my role as treasurer, I've learned and utilized a range of valuable skills, including financial management, budgeting, record-keeping, and communication. I've also developed interpersonal skills through collaboration with other society members, especially in organizing cultural events and fostering inclusivity. Additionally, I've gained experience in event organizing, problem-solving, and decision-making. Overall, my volunteering experience has been a rich opportunity for personal and professional growth, allowing me to make a positive impact on campus life while honing valuable skills for the future.

Volunteer role: Committee Member of the Month - President of the ARU Women in Surgery Society (Chelmsford)

Name: Hannah Addison

Course: Medicine (MBChB)

1. What are your main duties and how do they help others?

As the president of the Women in Surgery Society, my main duties revolve around fostering a supportive and empowering environment for female-identifying medical students interested in pursuing careers in surgery. I am responsible for organising events, workshops, and networking opportunities that promote professional development and mentorship. By advocating for gender equality and addressing the unique challenges faced by women in surgery, I aim to inspire and empower female surgeons to excel in their careers.

2. What have you enjoyed most about volunteering?

One of the most enjoyable aspects of volunteering is the sense of fulfilment that comes from making a positive impact on others' lives. Volunteering also allows me to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for making a difference, creating a sense of community. Additionally, volunteering often provides opportunities for personal growth and learning, as I am constantly challenged to adapt, problem-solve, and develop new skills in diverse settings. Overall, the opportunity to give back and be part of something bigger than myself is what I find most rewarding about volunteering.

3. What skills have you learnt and used through your volunteering?

Through my volunteering experiences, I've had the opportunity to develop and utilise a diverse range of skills. Communication skills have been crucial, whether it's effectively conveying ideas to committee or liaising with members to find out what they want from the society. Leadership skills have also been honed through roles that require organising events, managing teams, and delegating tasks. Problem-solving skills have been put to the test in navigating challenges and finding creative solutions to obstacles that arise. As a fulltime student, time management and organisation skills have been essential for juggling multiple responsibilities and deadlines.