Accessibility statement

Haizel

Student ambassador Haizel

As part of the BAME community myself, it has been really encouraging to interact with people from all walks of life and see diversity in all forms at York.

When I first came to University, I was conscious of needing a job that fit around my studies and that’s when I heard about the Student Ambassador scheme. It was advertised in my college newsletter and I applied with the hope of getting an interview. In my application, I spoke about how diversity across the student body was important and how I believed that the skills I possessed could be very well reflected in the tasks undertaken by student ambassadors. Following this, I was invited to the group interview and it’s fair to say I was apprehensive as I didn’t know anyone else that was going to be there. However, everyone involved in the entire interview process was extremely supportive. If you are hesitant to apply, I would certainly say that there is no harm in trying something that is a bit out of your comfort zone. For me, the group interview enabled me to voice my opinions and thoughts, which in itself increased my confidence and regardless of the outcome, I was proud of myself for doing it. 

Since being a student ambassador, I have developed several existing skills and benefited from learning new ones. My communication skills and confidence in reaching out to people, when necessary, has significantly improved, whether that be through in-person conversations or via email and calls. This has further played into collaborating with others and working together actively as a team in order to achieve an end goal. Furthermore, collaborating with people from a range of backgrounds has increased my own social and cultural awareness at York. As part of the BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) community myself, it has been really encouraging to interact with people from all walks of life and see diversity in all forms at York. Undertaking jobs, like participating in clearing and adjustment phone lines, has enabled me to adapt to different situations, which has improved my skills of problem solving. 

I have majorly benefited from being an ambassador during the pandemic, as it has taught me the significance of prompt communication and the importance of innovation and creativity. Having worked shifts from home, I am able to see the time and effort that is put in, in order to guarantee events run smoothly. My confidence has increased, which has been mirrored in other aspects of my life such as academia. Carrying out subtitling work has also given me the skills of editing and proofreading. 

I would encourage other students - new or old - to apply for this role as it has presented me with opportunities that are either tailored to my abilities or enable me to further develop existing skills. In doing so, I have also greatly improved my time-management as I am able to focus on my studies, but also complete tasks around my timetable. Being a Student Ambassador has opened my eyes to a different aspect of University life, other than the academic and social sides, which has in itself taught me a lot about what the University has to offer.