I’m about to become a student Rep for FASS and thought it might be a good thing for me to talk about volunteering at the Open SU and how it’s changed my life.
In an article I wrote previously, I wrote about my history and getting to the Open University. It wasn’t a fun time, and since joining, I’ve grown so much (but I still have a long way to go), and something that’s helped me is volunteering.
After joining last July, I attended some of the wonderful events that volunteers with Open SU host (which you can find here). I met hosts like Bev (who does so many events, like Community Student Drop-In, Mental Wellbeing, and even the in person Birmingham Meet up), former SLT Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Rep, Jack (who hosted FASS Connect, and is President of the OU Politics, International Relations and Policy Society) and even our new President Scarlet (who hosted the Wales Club). All these events made me feel connected and part of a community, and made me want to do what these people were doing and give back.
A view of the Birmingham Wheel outside the graduation ceremony
at the Symphony Hall
So I checked out the volunteer opportunities page (which you can find here) and looked at what I could do, and there it was, helping at graduation. So I signed up and got chosen to help out. After receiving the confirmation email, I had some online forms and training to complete, which was simple enough and flew by.
Then it was the day itself, in which, as a person just starting my OU journey, I found it amazing to see people finishing their studies, all filled with a sense of accomplishment. On the day itself, I was selling OU merch, from hoodies, tankards and plushies to the main item, a t-shirt with all the names of the people graduating that day. It was hectic at first, a very busy morning with people queuing before we’d even opened, but it calmed down, and I was given the opportunity to watch the ceremony and walk across the stage with the graduates. I felt uncomfortable doing that, so I didn’t take part, as I wanted my first time to be when I graduated myself, but it was lovely that I was allowed to be involved in the graduates’ big day. After packing all the merch up later in the day, it was time for home, feeling tired but happy that I’d helped people celebrate their big day, whilst knowing that all the sales go towards making the union a better place.
Since then, I have wanted to get more involved, but unfortunately, there weren’t many opportunites in my faculty, and I had missed some that were on offer. So when elections came up, I took my shot, unfortunately it didn’t come to fruition (I think next time I’ll pick a more professional picture of myself but I can’t help that I love dogs). The elections were an experience, and afterwards I was disappointed, but I remained motivated to continue and get involved. Shortly afterwards, a Rep position in my department became available, so I applied and was so happy to be offered the position.
Jimmie and his dog Shadow
So starting in September, I will now be a rep, which will allow me to speak on behalf of students in my faculty, to help shape modules and the processes involved. It also gives me more opportunities to get involved by joining different committees, which are the backbone of the Open SU and which allow the students to have their say in how things are run.
So if this all sounds like something you’d be interested in, then keep an eye on the volunteer opportunities page. I’m sure you will see something come up that sounds good to you, whether that be co-option to join student leadership, helping at graduation ceremonies, being a part of sustainability at the SU, becoming a rep, or even helping with the library and their secure environments schemes. There’s something for everyone, so why not volunteer and give something back and help shape the future of the Open SU and The Open University?
If that sounds too much though and you don’t have enough free time or energy, then maybe come along to some of the wonderful events that take place throughout the year, with some big things happening this year like Welcome Week and Student Conference along with the general weekly events like OU Pride Virtual Study Session or the OU Debate Club. There’s something for everyone with more wonderful things on the horizon!
Jimmie
