Name: Tyler Wallace

Course: Animal Behaviour and 3rd year

Volunteer Role: President of the Disney Society

“It is nice knowing that the society I had created was wanted by students and I'm glad that I can provide them with it.”

What are your main duties and how do they benefit others?

My main duties are the planning and organising of events for my society members. All the events I think of are designed to be inclusive for everyone attending as one of my main reasons for starting a society was to bring people together. Another main duty of mine is to make sure everyone feels safe and has a fun time whilst at society events and I try and make these as comfortable for everyone as much as possible.

What have you enjoyed most about volunteering?

I have enjoyed meeting and engaging with people that I otherwise wouldn't and I enjoy bringing people together with similar hobbies and likes. It's nice to know that whatever gets put into the Students’ Union gets put back in so everyone benefits. The Students’ Union is always there for me even if I have really silly questions or just need reassuring and they never make you feel bad for asking.

What skills have you learnt and used during your volunteering?

I have gained confidence in being a leader and have shown more independence from my role as society president. Admin was something I was never very good at but I have learnt how to professionally write emails and enquire about certain aspects of the society for the benefit of my members.

What inspires you to volunteer?

Seeing the attendance of my society's events and the fun people are having is a great feeling as you get a sense of pride. After doing my first event, I wanted to do more and make them bigger and better than the previous. Seeing people get engaged with something they enjoy is a great feeling.

What is your favourite volunteering memory?

My favourite memory was the first event which was our Disney quiz night. I was not sure on how well this would go because it was our first event but it was great to see that lots of people turned up and participated and then later bought memberships. It was nice knowing that the society I had created was wanted by students and I'm glad that I can provide them with it.

What are your future career aspirations?

My end career goal is within the animal industry but volunteering no matter where is always good for future job prospects. I remember being told that I had to get volunteering for my CV but I never had the time to go out and go volunteering, especially at animal organisations. I was thrilled when I found out that being a committee member for a society counted towards volunteering as I now feel more confident in applying for jobs as I have that to show off.

Why do you love volunteering?

Volunteering is great because you are helping people without knowing. Creating the Disney Society has helped bring people together and it's fascinating to see the wide array of people that share the same interests as you. Volunteering has brought me out of my shell and has helped me develop skills that I otherwise wouldn't have. I enjoy thinking of new and interesting events that I can put on and I am excited for every week of my society.

Are you inspired to start a society?

Any student can start their very own society. Find out how you can start yours here!