What inspired you to take on this role?
A bit of elaboration first: CoderDojo at Imperial is volunteering program, in which students get the chance to teach children coding. Over the summer I worked with Imperial Hub and researched the need why children should learn coding. After I have completed my internship, Ruth and I expanded the CoderDojo program at Imperial. Supervising the session every month is very motivating and proves that the program is indeed making a social impact.
What is your favourite thing about your role?
There are two aspects: First the organisational part and second the supervising part. I work on a very spontaneous level and also with great people. I am communicating with the parents, children, students, Imperial College staff, 3rd parties and so on. Imperial Hub is amazingly supportive and always seem to find time for me when I casually drop by. During the sessions I see the children and the students engage and talk excessively about programming and the parents are just having a chat with each other. The highlight is at the end when the children hold short presentation about what they worked on and you can tell that they really enjoyed the session and the parents are amazingly proud.
Has it met your expectations?
Definitely. At the beginning I was just expecting 'Sure, I can help out'. Turns out I got completely in charge of it. So it has succeeded my expectations, but in a very positive way. It gives me a LOT of experience on all aspects. It's like running a mini company.
Why would you encourage other Imperial students to volunteer?
I would encourage every single student to volunteer, no matter in which area. Students should throw themselves on every opportunity when possible. I started volunteering last year by being a teacher for Schools Plus. So my advice is to always be proactive. It gives you unique experience, lessons and ultimately you meet amazing, like-minded people.
What have been the benefits?
Every skill you are required to have later in a job are given to you during your work, so that's a plus. You meet a lot of people, come across ideas (sometimes silly ones), but ultimately knowing that you are making an impact is the most rewarding benefit. And you can get that with any kind of volunteering. Sure it might get a bit difficult at some points, but you overcome these, learn and continue to improve lives.
What has been a highlight of your experience?
There are many highlights. Parents telling you that after the session the child continued to work on their projects, the students promising that they will definitely come back and so on. Reading the feedback and passing it on to the students is another highlight. These feedback comments are full of praise of the students and how well they teach.
