Volunteering

An open letter from Megan Edwards, the 2010 Volunteer of the Year

I had always enjoyed volunteering and was thrilled to have the opportunity to carry on with it whilst at university after seeing a stall at the activities fair. I got involved with a new project called Ready Steady Dance, I was drawn to this as it combined volunteering with another passion of mine dancing.

So I joined as a volunteer and loved every moment of it from the choreography of the dances at the beginning with the other volunteers to actually going into the primary schools and teaching the dances. But watching the pupils perform what we had taught them gave me such a positive buzz.

It was then suggested by the current project leader that I should take over as project leader for the project. I thought about it and decided that it could help me develop some further skills like leading a group and dealing with some difficult situations such as communication errors and it definitely has!

When I met my group of volunteers I was very nervous not seeing any familiar faces but it was a very strong group of individuals who were enthusiastic for dancing and the project just like me! I think everyone increased in confidence as we headed towards Christmas and then after the Christmas break we went into the schools. But throughout this I made sure that I was approachable for any issues that the volunteers had or that arose.

I was so happy when we went into the schools and the teachers only had positive things to say but I also loved how the children’s faces lit up when we came into their PE lessons.

When I was presented with volunteer of the year I have to admit I was extremely surprised however everyone I had worked with did not seem surprised at all!

I think I have gained in skills and experience, from taking part actively within volunteering including confidence, leadership and experience with children as well as friendships. I hope to carry all of this personal experience and progression into my final year at university and Volunteering with Hallam Union as Access and Participation Officer.