Hi Shaq! Tell us why you became a WP (Widening Participation) Student Ambassador?  

WP is all about improving access to higher education for young people from under-represented backgrounds. I am one of those under-represented backgrounds so, I thought it would only be right to become a WP Ambassador as representation in any form is key. So, if the young people were able to look at me as a person coming from the same under-represented background as them, who didn’t allow the limitations which I faced to affect my decision of pursuing higher education and believed that is possible for them too, that is all that matters to me!

Just being able to talk directly to people who need it the most and change the narrative around higher education is why I became a WP Ambassador.

What do you like most about your role?

My favourite thing about my role is meeting new people, this is on so many different levels. We start off with the fellow ambassadors which work for WP. As, there as many ambassadors employed, it is a great opportunity to meet different people and to hear about their experiences regarding university life. Plus, all the WP ambassadors are super friendly, so it makes very easy to go up to them and strike up conversation.

Secondly, as most of the work the WP conducts are with young people, there is a huge opportunity to socialise with them as well. Obviously, not on a personal level but, its always great to learn something new as most of these young people have a lot to say.

Lastly, the WP management team are very accommodating and super welcoming, there has been numerous times I have gone into the office to hand in a simple pay form and have been caught up in long conversations and it's just a nice feeling to know that they are always there if you need something.

What have you got out of being an ambassador?

Personally, I have been able to practise and develop so many skills which have so many transferable qualities for life outside of WP. Just to name a few - time management/organisation when conducting campus tours, you have a schedule which you must follow so making sure you are in the right place at the right time is really important.

Secondly, communication because you interact with so many different people you gain the ability to learn how to talk to people (even though that may sound silly), as sometimes striking up conversation is the hardest part, especially during Covid times when Zoom calls were a thing, I really had to change up my communication style and place more importance on my voice, tone and pace.

Lastly, public speaking. As someone who enjoys public speaking and was very comfortable with it, it has been a great opportunity to develop and demonstrate that skill. Through our Student Life talks or just if we are presenting some work or an activity for the young people to do.

Find out more about becoming a Postgraduate Student Ambassador.