Lauren Bartle is a third year BSc Paramedic Science student and President of the Yoga Society.

Following the last academic year, the Yoga Society was left without a fully formed committee and Lauren has stepped up to the role of President and has since formed a fully functional committee which has enabled increased memberships and presence on campus. Lauren has worked hard by attending the SU’s Committee training to enhance her skills, worked closely with the SU on her society plan, updated the society webpage and ensures that all her members are kept up to date about upcoming events.

“I have enjoyed being able to give back to the society that I have enjoyed going to myself over the last few years. It’s rewarding to know that you are taking time away from your life just to do something for other people and give other people opportunities.”

“My favourite memory so far of Yoga Society is how yoga makes me feel. Doing a degree can be so stressful and demanding on your mental health. There's no better feeling than finishing a yoga class knowing you have just taken 1 hour of time just for you.”

Lauren is aiming to become a registered Paramedic after her studies and the skills she has learnt as a committee member will ensure that she will shine in this career. However, Lauren comments on how else her practice of yoga will help her in the future:

“As a member of the society for the last two years I have learned how practicing yoga can help you to balance your emotions and stress which is something I will take into my career as a clinician to help me control my mental well-being as well as improving fitness and flexibility.”

Through her role, Lauren has been able to promote the benefits of Yoga that she has felt to other students. Gareth Thomson, the Societies and Activities Coordinator in Chelmsford comments:

“Lauren’s passion for yoga to be a part of campus life has really shone this term. With yoga proving to be such an excellent relaxation tool in day to day life, Lauren has helped bring a society back to life that can help our student body not only have an outlet for socialising and relaxation but also another excellent opportunity for students to be physically active on campus.”

Lauren sums up her experience here:

“There are so many opportunities and skills that can be gained by volunteering within charities and within groups like this. Yoga Society has helped me so much throughout my degree so far. It is so rewarding to be able to keep it running and help more students in the year ahead and hopefully for the years after I graduate other ARU students will be able to carry it on.”

Thank you Lauren for promoting the importance of maintaining your own personal well-being and allowing others students to experience the same benefits that yoga has to you.

If you are interested in joining the Yoga Society, find them here www.angliastudent.com/societies/join/.