Why I volunteer at University, and how it has made my uni experience

Volunteering has been one of the most rewarding parts of my university experience. As President of Exeter Student Volunteers (ESV), I have had the opportunity to help shape more than 15 projects, including the ever-popular Dog-Walking and Homeless Action, creating various opportunities that bring hundreds of people together. It has given me a strong sense of purpose and has allowed me to contribute to a community that I genuinely care about.

One of the things I value most about volunteering is having the opportunity to turn ideas into reality. Whether organising events or planning projects, I have found it incredibly fulfilling to see the positive impact that our work can have on others. There is a real sense of achievement in watching something progress from an initial discussion to a successful outcome, particularly when it is the result of teamwork and collaboration. Being able to lead those efforts has taught me how important communication and adaptability are when working with a group of people towards a shared goal. Working alongside such a fantastic team has been another highlight of the experience. I have been fortunate to be surrounded by committed individuals who have made every challenge feel manageable.

Volunteering has strengthened my confidence in leading others, but it has also shown me the importance of listening and trusting the people around me.Volunteering has also had a significant positive impact on my personal development. It has pushed me outside my comfort zone and encouraged me to take on responsibilities that I may once have avoided. Through this role, I have become far more confident in decision making, public speaking, and managing competing priorities. These are skills that will undoubtedly benefit me in my future career, but they have also helped me grow as a person. A large part of why I continue at ESV is the sense of fulfilment it brings. University can sometimes feel fast paced and individualistic, so being involved in volunteering has given me a way to stay connected to both the University and the wider Exeter community. Knowing that the work we do can positively affect someone else’s experience, no matter how small the impact may seem, has made the role incredibly meaningful to me. Most importantly, volunteering has made my student experience feel more complete. University is not only about academic achievement, but also about the experiences, people, and opportunities that shape you along the way.
Being president has allowed me to contribute to something bigger than myself, and that has been incredibly meaningful. Knowing that I have played a part in creating positive experiences for others is what I will remember most.