Student Trustee Profile – Emma Burton
Emma is a fourth-year student studying Modern Languages (French, Spanish, and Italian). She is a part of the dance and musicians’ societies at the university and founded the Animal Therapy Society in her second year.
Emma has a love for volunteering, especially when it involves crafts or cooking! Her favourite thing about volunteering with Discovery is working with the amazing staff team and the other volunteers, especially the support volunteers! During her time at Discovery, Emma has taken on a wide range of roles, including; volunteer, student ambassador, trustee, president, project coordinator, and intern, so she knows the charity inside and out!
This is Emma’s 4th year with Discovery; she started in 2018 and will be leaving this summer when she graduates. Her input with Discovery started pre-pandemic, so she has been involved in running the charity through covid-19 and has seen it develop and adapt accordingly.
We asked Emma:
How did you first get involved with Discovery?
“I met Kirsty before coming to university during the ASC induction event, and then again as a service user on the orientation buddies project. I had such a great experience, she encouraged me to get involved and I got hooked! Everyone is so supportive and inclusive, and the accessibility is amazing!”
What projects have you been involved in?
“Most of them! I have worked mainly on projects with children and adults with additional needs (I was PC for Active 18 last year). Also helping out on any of the projects that need it, having experienced every project at least once. I have also been involved in virtual and one-off volunteering, primarily through the pandemic.”
What made you decide to apply for trustee?
“I have been a trustee for 3 years now, I started as a non-portfolio trustee in my second year and enjoyed the responsibility and ability to make positive changes within the charity. Last year, I ran for and was elected president, which significantly helped me improve my confidence and leadership skills. I decided to step down as president this year to focus on the final year of my undergraduate degree, but I am staying as a trustee to use my experience to support the charity and new trustees through the transition. During my time as trustee, I have focused mainly on health and safety and accessibility issues.”
How do you feel this new role will assist your career plans?
“Being a trustee has given me an insight into the running of a charity. It has helped me improve my personal skills, such as my confidence, teamwork, and management skills, which will help me in my future career as a teacher. It is also a unique experience to have on my CV and something that has attracted employers.”