In this blog post, Xavier Lake (School Leadership Award Holder, Class of 2020) reflects on the impact of the award – especially his Community Action Placement – on his leadership opportunities at Glasgow University where he is a member of the University Union Board of Management (GUU).
I embarked upon my journey with the GUU by applying as a Fresher’s Helper and following a successful interview, I was employed in the role. My time with the Rank Foundation, especially my Community Action Placement (CAP) in Hexham, heightened my awareness of making a positive impact on the society around me.
In turn, as a Fresher’s Helper I widened my own sense of being part of the university’s community as I began my work not knowing anybody but by the end, I had made friends across all year groups and faculties and worked with salaried university staff members.
I strongly believe that the CAP gave me the confidence and drive to do this and showed me I truly enjoy helping others as it gives me a great sense of reward and motivates me to find other opportunities make a difference.
The election competition began almost immediately so I had to formulate my manifesto, campaign, and persuade my friends to help me. My leadership skills were most definitely called into action. The Rank Foundation’s belief in my skills as a leader enthused me to approach other students to discuss my manifesto and have fun with it! I was over the moon when I was successfully elected to the board.
Holding office within the GUU has alerted me to the need to understand and process the multi-faceted issues that arise, such as: accessible study places, financial problems, course resources, allegations of misconduct, event planning, even helping when students have a bit too much to drink! I am then duty bound to meet with senior members of the university to eloquently explain matters to them with the aim of making impact to bring about positive change and feedback their responses to the union membership.
I feel my drive to make a difference for others was deepened and became a core value for me after the CAP at the Hexham Youth Initiative, seeing the joy and happiness that young people gained form the staff’s dedication has left a lasting impression upon me to help others where I can.
I am extremely grateful for the knowledge and progress that the Rank Foundation’s School Leadership Award has furnished me with, as I know I would not be following the path I am on without the confidence and self-belief the programme gave me.