Case Studies
Fazela Patel
Age: 20
Nationality: British
Course: Biomedical Science
I wanted to become a PAL (Student Ambassador) because I wanted to inspire students, encourage them to educate themselves and enjoy themselves. On my first day in university, I was really scared and worried and it was a student ambassador that made me feel comfortable, safe and eased my worries. I wanted to make someone else feel that as well.
I have been involved in all sorts of activites including STEM summer school, STEM ambassador, campus visits and tours, SALTERS fair, Ilford town hall events. My most memorable was during the summer school when the students started opening up to me on a more personal level, they spoke to me on a one to one basis about their worries and fears about university and pertaining the grades needed. I was able to advise them and help them, they appreciated having someone to talk to that was honest with them, and open about their own experiences, good and bad. That was a great feeling.
I recommend becoming a PAL because you get to experience things and be involved in things that you certainly would not have been otherwise. You get to build a relationship with the lecturers, and it opens up a lot of doors for you. It is a great experience.
Oluwadunsin Akinola
Age: 29
Nationality: Nigerian
Course: MSc. Mobile Commmunication
I became a PAL (student ambassador) because I saw it as a role that could give me some experience that would be useful in my career and which could also boost my CV.
I have been involved in many different opportunities including UCAS fairs, Campus Tours, Summer Schools, and Admission Clearing. All have been exciting opportunities for me. I have seen it as a means of support, helping younger students who are trying/ interested in Higher Education and especially UEL.
I would recommend becoming a PAL because you get to know more about the school. If you are interested in helping younger students it could be a good scheme to join and you get to develop some basic skills such as communication etc.
Theonymfi Kypriotaki
Age: 23
Nationality: Greece
Course: Architecture
I have been working as a PAL student ambassador for 5 years already. It is something I enjoy and I like informing people about uni life since I have been studying for many years. I believe student ambassadors are source of knowledge and should be provided for the future students.
I have been involved in Fairs, Events, Introduction week and Open days.
Being a PAL is informative for anyone. Not just for visitors of the university but for us too. For instance, I worked once for Stratford UEL Campus and I found out many things I had no clue about my own University.
Diogo Mattos
Age: 26
Nationality: Brazilian
Course: BA Media and Creative Industries
I became a PAL (student ambassador) because I believe in UEL and am willing to represent UEL outside the university campuses, liaising with potential students and the surrounding community.
I have taken part in an aspirational day, where I did a presentation about university life and helped with any task given. I was also in the volunteering week, working in a stall alongside a partner. Additionally, I assisted in a Belgian campus visit, assisting a member of UEL staff in giving the students a campus tour.
My most memorable time being a PAL was the two training sessions I took part in. In those moments I could learn better how to deal with potential students and get to know UEL and its campuses even better.
I would recommend being a PAL because It is a great opportunity to show and practice your skills and learn new abilities and some custom service as well. You will be disciplined to present yourself correctly in an academic environment, approaching easily the UEL staff members.
