Not only do we celebrate the students here at the SU, but we want to celebrate the staff too! This is our second Staff Spotlight of the year and today we are hearing from Clare Cross who is a Student Welfare Engagement Advisor based in Student Advice and Wellbeing.
How would you describe your job role?
Essentially, my role is to promote wellbeing within the University, through workshops and events, and to encourage students to be proactive with their own self care. Part of my job is to highlight Student Advice and Wellbeing and the services that we provide to ensure that students are aware of the support they can access.
What does a typical day entail?
A typical day is very varied. I work one day a week covering the office reception desk. I usually post something daily on the Instagram account – shameless plug – FOLLOW US @LAUSTUDENTADVICEANDWELLBEING – I work closely with HE admin so attend course committee meetings to update students about upcoming events, changes in SAW, details about how to make an appointment or contact us etc. I attend study support or engagement concern meetings to ensure students know how to access support if needed. I run various events throughout the year with the Students' Union to raise awareness of a variety of wellbeing and topical issues and giving students an opportunity to relax, do something fun and creative and meet others. When I'm not involved with events I'm planning future events or talks that I might be giving.
How did you get into this type of work?
I got into wellbeing work after I was diagnosed with severe depression about 14 years ago. I had an amazing therapist and I realised that I needed to make some significant changes to my life as I wasn’t happy. I’d thought about retraining as a counsellor for a while, finally enrolled on a post-grad course and qualified in 2014. Mental health is my passion as I’ve experienced the negative impact when it's poor and how it can tarnish every area of your life but it's important to remember that you can heal and flourish.
What advice would you give to the students?
Being an old bird I've heaps of advice but I’m going to narrow it to two things.
Getting your foot in the career door is tough so try and get as much work experience as you can whilst you’re on your course, even if it doesn’t seem hugely relevant. Employers are looking for you to demonstrate skills such as teamwork, working on your own initiative, customer service etc so volunteer, get involved in societies, consider applying to be a student ambassador and ask relevant companies if there is an opportunity to shadow someone for half a day. Don’t be afraid to push yourself forward.
2nd bit of advice – Lack of confidence and anxiety can prevent you from taking opportunities, risks and living the life you want. One of my biggest regrets is not making the most of my time at Uni because of poor self-esteem and shyness. You have 3 years of free support and therapy whilst at Uni so fill your boots. Don’t let anything hold you back, book in with SAW and work through your issues so when you graduate you’ve got buckets of self belief and you're ready for any challenge.
Is there anything outside of work you wish to share with us?
I wish I could say I have a quirky and exciting life outside of work but I don’t! I’ve tried many things including pottery, jewellery making, flower arranging, horse riding, hospital radio and life modelling but nowadays I enjoy cooking, my passions are music, reading and nature, I love travelling and spending time with my degu, Bertie. I’m also a fan of very trashy reality TV and all things paranormal.
If you could live in any artwork, what would it be and why?
I finally decided on David Hockney’s Arrival of Spring, Normandy 2020 which is one of a series he created. Spring is my favourite season as it’s a time of growth and new life and I am obsessed with and in awe of sunsets so to lie in the grass gazing at a multi-coloured sky would be bliss.
Is there anything else you want to add?
If you are struggling with any aspect of your life, or Uni, please come and talk to us. Essentially we work for you and we want your time here to be the best and most fulfilling it can be. Don't feel awkward or embarrassed, trust me, we have heard everything and we're not here to tell you off or judge you so pop in and have a chat.
If you want to get in contact with Clare then be sure to email: Clare.cross@leeds-art.ac.uk or pop into the office at B2.G.14 near the cafe.
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