My Life-changing Year
Maisie Ross, Community Zone Member 2015-16.
Without a doubt, the best thing I ever got involved in at University was my elected role at the Students’ Union. I remember clearly the first time the President at the time told me to run for an elected role and I laughed, telling him there is no way I would ever get up on that stage, in front of hundreds of people I knew, for Surrey Decides. Despite being a confident person, I was terrified of public speaking. After a lot of convincing, I put my name on the ballot – still unsure whether I would run in the election. I attended the information sessions whilst telling other candidates that I was going to drop out, almost certain that I would. But I didn’t and that was one of the best decisions I made at University.
The opportunities were endless. I was encouraged and supported to pursue all the ideas I had. My biggest achievement during my role was the development of the Community Reps. It is extremely rewarding to not only be told by members of the Students’ Union of the great impact I was having, but also by local Councillors and residents. I am very proud that the current VP Community has continued to pursue this idea and fulfilled its true potential. It has built bridges with a community that had largely bad perceptions of students and changed the image they had of us. It was also enjoyable to meet loads of different people within the community that I would never have had the opportunity to meet otherwise. It is very easy as a student to stay sheltered in the University bubble.
I was also fortunate enough to be able to give back to the local community when the Community Zone ran a food bank at both Christmas and in the Summer. It was touching to see students with so little give so much back to those in need.
The skills I developed in my role have helped me a huge amount on a graduate scheme with Deloitte. Not only did I learn key skills such as time management and organisation, I had the opportunity to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders in the community, which is so relevant to any job you will have. I was also able to combat my biggest fear of public speaking and was continually pushed out of my comfort zone. I honestly do not believe I would be in the great job that I am in, which I love, without my role at the Students’ Union.
My advice would be – just do it. Don’t be afraid of campaigning or Question Time. Being pushed out of your comfort zone is the best way to grow and when you look back in a year, you’ll think “I would not be where I am now if I hadn’t put my name on the ballot”.
And finally, the best thing about it all is, I not only made colleagues but I made lifelong friends. The role not only develops you as a person but it also develops those you work with. As you grow together, you become friends rather than colleagues and it was just FUN.