As an international student in the UK with limited working hours, I wanted to make the most of my spare time, so I turned to volunteering. Encouraged by a teacher, I saw it as a way to stay active and contribute positively. 

My leadership journey began with the Leadership Programme at UWL in 2023. Although I couldn't complete it that year, I applied again and successfully finished the programme in 2024. During this time, I joined organisations like the Greater London Authority (GLA) and the London Borough of Hounslow. Currently, I’m a team member for the GLA and will soon become a team leader for the Team London Ambassador Programme in 2024. 

The Leadership Programme was incredibly valuable, offering weekly sessions with different speakers who shared their personal leadership stories and advice. This experience greatly boosted my confidence and was instrumental in helping me secure the team leader role. 

Volunteering through this programme has led to many memorable experiences. A standout moment was working at a local food bank, where sorting and distributing donations was deeply fulfilling and highlighted the impact we can have on our community. Balancing volunteering with my studies and part-time job has been easily manageable because of one-off opportunities, which is ideal for students who can’t commit to long-term projects.

Although I didn’t start with a specific career plan, I now see how volunteering benefits my future. The skills I’ve gained, like teamwork and communication, have significantly enhanced my personal growth and career prospects. I highly recommend volunteering for other students. It’s a great way to develop new skills, meet new people and engage in meaningful activities, making it a rewarding experience for anyone looking to enrich their university life and career.