Hi,
I’m Emma and I am a Psychology student here at Keele University. While completing my studies, I have been getting involved with extracurricular activities with the SU, from being on committee within the music societies, Student Voice Representative, to carrying out volunteering within the community where I have achieved my Diamond Volunteering Award from KeeleSU.
Having the opportunity to be on committee has been such a valuable experience, providing the chance to develop a wide range of skills that you wouldn’t get from your degree. I didn't realise how impactful this was until I started applying for PGCE Courses where the interviews were largely spent talking about what I had completed within my committee roles. From being Chair of Keele Philharmonic Ensembles for 2 years, Secretary of Keele University Music Union, Treasure, and Welfare of other music groups, and re-setting up Clarinet Choir with 2 other students, to say I’ve been exposed to many different experiences is an understatement. I have grown in confidence, developed public speaking, time management, co-ordination, and planning and running of events, which I can transfer into my teacher training and my professional career. During this, I have also had the pleasure of working alongside other students who share a passion for music, providing the opportunity for students and the community to continue playing music within the ensembles.
The music societies have been through a lot during my time at Keele. From losing our rehearsal space, selling of our equipment and then funding, networking with different departments within the SU and University has been vital in my role as Secretary of KUMU. This has been insightful through sitting in on meetings, being in regular contact with Maisie and Emma (& Tom during 2022-2023) to secure various resources to enable the societies to effectively run. Conductors and section tutors were also appointed for the Philharmonic Orchestra through communication and applications with ArtsKeele. Being exposed to these situations allows you to critically think and plan ideas knowing you have support readily available; the support and guidance you receive through being on committee is amazing.
My experience being on the committee also helped me to secure other volunteering opportunities because of the skills I have developed. During summer 2023 and January 2024, I was in a local primary school back home providing an extra pair of hands during the school day. From facilitating group discussions, using creativity, and providing support to the pupils and staff, completing this time volunteering made me decide to go into teaching. The value that this experience provided me has been pivotal, confirming that primary teaching is my career path. While carrying out this role, the KeeleSU Volunteering department was available to answer any questions or queries I had. During May and June of 2022, I also volunteered in the Paediatric Department at Royal Stoke Hospital 3 days a week, working closely with the nursing staff, the play team, and children and their parents.
The SU providing students with the opportunity to carry out volunteering alongside their studies is fantastic. Logging the hours and skills on the portal is a great way to monitor your progress, and downloading the log to take to interviews is a great resource to have available. It has hugely benefitted myself, enhancing my CV, and applications for PGCE Courses, but also allowing personal development of skills and personal qualities. At the start of Uni, I was very shy and quiet, but now I have a lot more self-confidence and transferable skills as a result of these opportunities. Playing regularly in the music societies has also provided many friendships and memories of my time at Keele, including the long-standing ‘organised chaos’ of flute choir.
I would hugely encourage any student to get involved with KeeleSU. Whether that is within a committee position, SVR, or Local Volunteering, it will have a positive influence.
Emma