Volunteer Of The Month

Volunteer of the Month

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 people far and wide, 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 by using our nomination form below.

Volunteer of the Month Criteria Nomination Form

VOLUNTEERS OF THE MONTH

VOLUNTEERS OF THE MONTH

Cate Souster Year 3 Medicine Volunteer Role: Course Representative
What are your main duties and how do you help others?
I collect feedback from the cohort and present it to the medical school (along with my other course rep). By doing this, we have been able to suggest changes to the course that have been raised by the cohort. I attend meetings where I share the views of the cohort and I relay information from the medical school back to the students to keep them informed.
What have you enjoyed most about volunteering?
Getting to know my fellow course rep and working closely together. Being the course rep has allowed me to grow as a person in a way that complements my studies and future career. I love being able to help others and make a difference.
What skills have you learnt and used through your volunteering?
I have learnt how to collect feedback then analyse, evaluate and present this during meetings. This has allowed me to work on both the content and delivery of my presentations. I feel I have improved my time management skills, helping me to effectively balance my degree and this role which is preparing me for future employment. Gathering student views and relaying these professionally has developed my communication style with both members of staff and peers. My confidence and ability to represent others has grown through the experiences this role has given me.
Alex Farries Year 4 Medicine Volunteer Role: Course Representative
What are your main duties and how do you help others?
To bridge the gap between students and staff via providing a safe and anonymous route to voice concerns and feedback. This was important as it addressed the cohort's desire for increased transparency. I have also been pushing student ideas as to how the Medical school can further aid its students. The positive impact these ideas are having on current students and future students is great to see.
What have you enjoyed most about volunteering?
The ability to get a better understanding of the views and needs of fellow students in my year group and see first-hand that changes are being made based on their suggestions. I get great satisfaction in witnessing the progress that is being made for our year group and in the idea that the work being done is benefiting future year groups.
What skills have you learnt and used through your volunteering?
Learning communication skills have been vital as it has been an issue identified on student feedback. Learning new was to communicate with the year group and with the university in ways that allow free speech from students but while keeping things professional with the university have been crucial and something my fellow student Rep and I aim to continue to improve on. Teamwork has become a big part of the role, whether working with the university as part of a student staff liaison committee or working with the other course reps on projects affecting the course. Considering all opinions and ideas in a team provides a more inclusive and diverse set ideas which better represents the cohort.
Nick Payne Year 4 Medicine Volunteer Role: Student Representative
What are your main duties and how do you help others?
My main role as year rep is to collect information about the issues and questions that students have feed these back to the appropriate year leads. This can either be through form meetings, such as the SSLC meeting every trimester, or directly contacting the correct year lead about the issue. This helps clear up any confusion early on and opens up clear channels of communication between staff and students.
What have you enjoyed most about volunteering?
I've enjoyed helping fellow students with their problems as this has enables students to better focus on their university course work, without worrying about things they are unsure about as their questions can be quickly resolved.
What skills have you learnt and used through your volunteering?
Skills I have built on by volunteering in this role include communication, by acting as a communication channel between students and staff, summarisation skills, to focus and feedback the key issues of the year group, and perseverance to ensure the problems of the year group are effectively answered or resolved.
Nathan John Rawling Law Volunteer Role: President of Level Up Gaming Society
What are your main duties and how do you help others?
My duties involve running the society, collecting equipment, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and has a safe space to play board games and relax after a long day of lectures.
What have you enjoyed most about volunteering?
I've enjoyed making new friends and expanding my skill set!
What skills have you learnt and used through your volunteering?
Managerial Skills - I have learned how to manage my responsibilities better, balancing my role as president alongside my studies is an invaluable skill. Microsoft Skills - Filling out forms, using Excel, word, and other tools to fill out forms and paperwork. Interpersonal Skills - I have learned how to work effectively in a team!
Caitlin Faber Zoology Volunteer Role: Queer Collective Administrator
What are your main duties and how do you help others?
My main duties within my role are to help organise events within and outside of campus, assisting with running the social media pages, making connections with local LGBTQIA+ organisations and providing support for our committee and society members. It helps others by contributing to creating a safe space for LGBTQIA+ individuals within the university and wider city.
What have you enjoyed most about volunteering?
I've enjoyed being able to make sure that the voices of LGBTQIA+ students are heard and most of all I have enjoyed being able to be part of a wonderful community and meeting other LGBTQIA+ people at university.
What skills have you learnt and used through your volunteering?
I've developed a lot of social skills as well as vastly improving my organisational and collaborative skills in order to work with the rest of our committee to plan events and keep the society running.
Prisha Dharmendra Shah Clinical Psychology Volunteer Role: Indian Society Treasurer
What are your main duties and how do you help others?
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 have you enjoyed most about volunteering?
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.
What skills have you learnt and used through your volunteering?
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.

PAST WINNERS