Read about one student’s experience as a Play Action challenge leader at their University!
My experience as a challenge leader for Play Action International is one that I’ve valued greatly throughout the year, as it has inspired me so much, and has allowed me so many opportunities that are beneficial in a variety of ways. Working closely with the Play Action team has been such a great insight into how charities work and are managed, and how important the fundraising that UK volunteers do is. The team have been such an incredible inspiration, so much so that I’m now looking forward to researching more opportunities in the charity industry as a possible future career! The charity itself has also really opened my eyes to not only how significant play is for children, but also how one individuals impact can go such a long way! Each volunteer is integral to the charity and its been great to watch the volunteers in my group realise this and become attached to their fundraising. Motivation really grows as they realise its more than just a trip to an incredible country!
“I’m able to leave this incredible experience with Play Action International with some incredible experiences, friendships and skills that I have developed throughout the process. To anyone considering applying for challenge leader in the future- the one thing I would tell them is to do it.”
The opportunity of being challenge leader has allowed me to try something new like organising socials and group fundraisers, all alongside my degree. My biggest fear when signing up for the role was that I would over-commit myself and struggle alongside university work and extra-curriculars, but in reality it was the best distraction at points when I needed a break from day to day life. The experience has been a brilliant learning curve in skills like time management which I’ve definitely become better at after being a challenge leader! It also helps that everything I did was enjoyable, and the sense of achievement at the end makes it all worthwhile- not to mention all the great people it allowed me to meet and get to know around Cardiff.
The incentives given to challenge leaders were a part of the role that especially motivated me to be the best challenge leader I could, as they allowed me to focus the time and energy that would go on personal fundraising, to my team. It benefited me even more-so, as the more time I spent focusing my attention on challenge leader, the more skills I developed in communication, team management and fundraising. Ultimately, I’m able to leave this incredible experience with Play Action International with some incredible experiences, friendships and skills that I have developed throughout the process. To anyone considering applying for challenge leader in the future- the one thing I would tell them is to do it. My experience with Play Action International this year has been an integral part of my first year at Uni and so I would do nothing but encourage future volunteers to take the opportunity!
A special thankyou to one of last years amazing volunteers Beth Mesher from Cardiff University, for writing this blog post!
