Name: Rafi Abdullah

Course: Medicine, Year 2

Volunteer Role: Treasurer, Anglia Ruskin Medical Students (ARMS) Society

"Overall, I think one of the biggest things for me is that being on the society committee has massively helped with confidence building"

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

My role on the committee is as Treasurer. I manage the finances of the society and complete the grant applications, along with help from the other committee members.

My main role regarding treasurer duties have been managing the finances for our MedBall, which I couldn't have done without the help of Abi from the SU who has been so so helpful and supportive. This involves completing relevant grant applications, making sure reimbursements and deposits are paid in time, fundraising, generally making sure everything adds up/we can afford it.

Beyond my roles of treasurer I'd like to think I've been a generally supportive member of the committee, and I am always willing to help out in all aspects of the society.

What have you enjoyed most about volunteering?

The people!! I’m so lucky to be able to work with an amazing committee and we all get on really well, work really well as a team and everyone is so supportive! Again the SU have been so helpful, especially Abi with MedBall, it was really nice to know she was always there to support me, and made the stress of managing the finances for such a big event a lot easier!

What skills have you learnt and used during your volunteering?

Organisation, time keeping, leadership skills, record keeping/excel skills. Overall, I think one of the biggest things for me is that being on the committee has massively helped with confidence building.

What are your future career aspirations?

Hopefully to become a practising doctor. All the skills mentioned above are really important skills that can be transferred to the work place, especially in medicine.

What inspires you to volunteer?

Giving back, getting involved, and was also a lot of fun, met a lot of people and made amazing friends.

What is your favourite volunteering memory?

Oh wow this is hard, I have soooo many. All the socials and events we hosted as it was really nice seeing them go from a plan to a successful turnout, and to do that alongside my friends/committee was really nice.