Sewuese Adzege, Master of Public Administration student has shared with us her volunteering journey with Middlesbrough Council. We were delighted to hear that Sewuese has now gained employment with Middlesbrough Council and is thoroughly enjoying her role. Thank you Sewuese for sharing your experiences and really highlighting the positive impact volunteering has made, what a lovely read and we wish you all the success in the future.

“I chose to volunteer because it offered a chance to gain hands-on experience, deepen my understanding, and make a meaningful impact in the community. Beyond academic learning, I wanted to engage with real-world systems, interact with diverse individuals, broaden my perspective, and be better integrated into society.

Volunteering is more than giving back, it fosters integration, teamwork, and skill building which is essential in any field. It has helped me build networks, adapt, and understand the culture, standards, and systems around me.

A typical day could vary, starting from moments of connection over a cuppa with colleagues to checking emails and working on assigned tasks. I maintained records, organised documents, and updated systems. I reflected on lessons learned, challenges faced, and areas for growth.

I have particularly enjoyed the opportunities to connect with colleagues, discuss shared experiences, or other topics. These brief moments made me feel accepted as part of the team. I enjoyed meeting new people, learning about new perspectives and experiencing a different culture. It has been incredibly rewarding to know that my work has a real impact.

To future volunteers, I say; "look beyond, disappointments are not the end but opportunities to explore new possibilities, stay resilient, keep an open mind, and embrace every challenge as part of your journey”.

I have developed valuable skills. I navigated challenges, looked beyond disappointments, adapted to different situations, and kept striving for more. Patience has been essential, whether in handling complex situations, working with diverse individuals, or understanding different perspectives. Most importantly, volunteering has deepened my sense of gratitude, appreciating the opportunity to serve, learn, and grow while making a positive impact.

I am now in the final semester of my master's program, striving for an excellent completion. Looking ahead, I plan to apply the knowledge, insights and experiences gained through my engagements to navigate and advance my career”.