Scarlet is from a small town just outside of Leeds. She is currently a second-year midwifery student studying at the University of Leeds.   

Supporting outreach projects 

Over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to support several outreach projects through Go Higher West Yorkshire (GHWY). These have included: 

• A Health and Social Care CPD session aimed at career advisers, where we discussed how to support students interested in studying health and social care subjects at higher education level.
• A GHWY Speak Up event focused on encouraging teamwork, a sense of belonging and aiming to get more boys from underrepresented backgrounds into higher education institutions.  
• A STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) careers event. This gave young students the chance to learn about the different opportunities and pathways available within STEM careers.  

Across these events, I have helped with interactive stalls, careers fairs, student engagement sessions, and speaking about my own experiences at university. 

Initially, I became a Student Ambassador because it offered flexible work that would help me fund my course’s elective placement. However, after becoming involved in outreach work, my motivation has become more focused on helping individuals attending the events to realise the wide range of opportunities available to them.   

I have really enjoyed being a relatable role model for younger students and someone they feel comfortable talking to about university life and future career options. When I was in college, I took part in a similar programme to GHWY designed to encourage students from underrepresented backgrounds into higher education. I remember how helpful it was to speak to ambassadors and ask questions about university and student life. Being able to now provide that same support to others has been a really positive experience.  

These opportunities have also helped me develop skills that will benefit me in my future career as a midwife, particularly in communication. Working with and talking to a wide variety of people has improved my confidence and ability to adapt how I communicate in different situations. From talking to teachers, colleagues, and students from year 7-13 means I can tailor my communication well and adapt how I speak with people. 

Conclusion 

Overall, being involved with GHWY outreach events has been an enjoyable and valuable experience. I will definitely be putting myself forward to work more in the future and I would definitely encourage anyone who is presented with the opportunity to get involved with the programme to do so. It is a great way to build confidence, develop transferable skills, meet new people and make a positive difference to young people considering higher education.