Emily’s Universify experience, volunteer testimonial

‘THE FACT THAT THE PROGRAMME DOESN’T END AFTER THE SUMMER SCHOOL IS SO IMPORTANT, IT OFFERS CONTINUED SUPPORT AS STUDENTS NAVIGATE ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT YEARS OF THEIR EDUCATION.’

Having experienced social mobility myself, I have always been keen to give back. I know first-hand how much of a difference programmes like this can make. It was a summer school that convinced me that I was good enough, and could afford, to apply to university, despite being the first in my family to do so.

So when I heard of Universify in my first year of university, I couldn’t wait to get involved. Many social mobility programmes arrive post-GCSEs yet the target age of Universify is crucial as it comes before key decisions are made by students as opposed to afterwards. My first Summer volunteering was amazing, we saw the students grow in front of our eyes, absorbing knowledge, growing in ambition and confidence and asking questions they hadn’t been able to ask anyone before. One of my favourite memories of my first year of volunteering was our Q&A session that had to be extended because of all the questions the students had, from revision tips to queries about financial support to sports and societies! If they didn’t have this programme, these would be questions they may never have gotten answers to.

The fact that the programme doesn’t end after the summer school is so important, it offers continued support as students navigate one of the most important years of their education. So I knew I wanted to come back, this time as a group leader, both to support the students but also for myself. As a volunteer you learn so much from those you work with, who all have their own stories and are just as passionate about widening access. Despite the Universify team having to pivot to online delivery this year, I saw just as much growth in each of our students, and I am proud to have contributed to that.

Emily Louise, Universify volunteer, 2018-19 and 2019-20. During her time at university, Emily was also Vice President of Oxford First-Generation Students as well as a JCR Access Officer. Since graduating she has gone on to work for The Sutton Trust.