Lewis
Tell us about yourself
Hi, my name is Lewis, and I’m the social secretary for Psychology Society and I'm also a student representative for Psychology. I love getting involved in all LJMU have to offer, some of my favourite societies include walking, craft and women in STEM!
How did you get into volunteering
During first year I thought I'd give Psychology Society a go, given I study it, I thought it would be a great way to learn more people on my course, and it absolutely was, it's how I met my housemates that I live with now.
I also befriended the committee members, and they convinced me to be on committee for 2nd year. I showed up for committee training in September and it was so inspiring seeing all these different committee members from different societies being bold and unapologetic and wanting to create a safe space for others to do the same.
Many friendships were planted that day, I talked to all kinds of society people; spanish, vocaloid, true crime, law, radio, feminist. It was great hearing from each one about their interests. Similar experience when going to Fresher’s fair as well.
This really solidified for me that I am in a community of people that I can trust and that care about making a difference. And that contributing back to the student union is so worthwhile because I know I’ll be surrounded by welcoming, good-spirited people.
What volunteering position do you have, and what are your primary duties?
As a course representative, I take feedback from all my students, I do this just by chatting generally to all the different people I know on my course, and also asking in the group chat if people have specific concerns and putting up polls for everyone to vote on.
My course has 4 course reps for our year, and its our job to meet up and discuss how to best present all the feedback we’ve received, both positive and negative, in a professional manner to the lecturers / module leaders.
It does feel like quite an important job, because there was one module last semester that caused a lot of people stress and it caused a number of problems. So it felt rewarding working with the staff and the other course reps to make the experience much smoother for future LJMU Psych students as well as ensuring we are heard as students when in going to our final and most crucial year.
What skills are you building through volunteering?
The best skill I’ve received is learning how to speak up and advocate for myself and others
I’ve always considered myself relatively confident and extroverted. I enoiy meeting new people and making connections. But in school, I would never really speak up to teachers if I had any kind of issue. I would just sit there in confusion / face the consequences of not wanting to be a bother even if it was an easy fix.
Being a course rep has empowered me to know that my voice does matter, change is important and that when delivered effectively, feedback can be essnetial for mutual growth.
What’s the most memorable experience you have had as a volunteer?
My other committee members of Psychology Society made me jump into the Mersey in 3°C weather for the Movember charity, which, while it was cold, is a memory I will never forget. It was a great experience and for a good cause!
What would you say to someone who is looking to volunteer? Do you have advice?
I know lots of people feel that university is just temporary and a means to an end. But hey if you’re here for 3-5 years, it’s still so valuable if you can make this place feel as much like a home as you can.
There are seemingly endless opportunities. Get on the JMSU website and just see what’s coming up. See if anything speaks to you, might lead you down a path of running your own society or creating your own events 👀
