Meet a volunteer: Stella from Design

Where do you volunteer?

"I'm a part of the Local Council for Design, which means I am also the study environment representative (SMR) for my class. After the summer holidays, I will also be a student tutor for the new design students, which I am very much looking forward to."

How did you get involved with volunteering at KEA?

"What made me become a volunteer at KEA was the desire to have an influence on student politics at KEA. I am generally politically interested and also politically engaged outside of KEA. So it was very natural for me to continue with this when I started my education."

Three reasons to volunteer

1) Influence: "In student politics, it's just really cool when you feel heard and experience that the time and energy you've put into it actually makes a difference."

2) The social: "When I mention the social as one of the good reasons, I am of course thinking for oneself. However, I also think about it in relation to my future volunteer work as a student tutor, where I will have the opportunity to give the new students a good start in their education. It's this feeling of being able to give something back."

3) Personal development: "My last reason to volunteer is the experience that comes with it. I believe that you acquire skills both in conflict management and argumentation and also in how to have a good, factual, and constructive discussion."

How much time do you spend, in average, on volunteering a week?

“It varies a lot. Maybe 2 hours on average. Lately, I have spent a lot of extra time on my volunteer work. Last month, however, I didn't spend as much time on it.”

Have you gained new skills through your volunteer work?

"I definitely feel that I get practice writing 'professional' emails. In general, just having to be professional in a work-related situation Being a volunteer challenges my argumentation and articulation.

In addition, I have some expectations for future skills that I expect to achieve through my work in the long run. Perhaps especially in connection to my role as a student tutor. For instance, having to be in a responsible role and maintaining an overview of everything, as well as being able to handle conflicts and quickly adapt, I like to think that you become more easygoing and welcoming."

What is your favorite place at KEA?

“Mmm. It is probably the roof terrace at GBG when the weather is good. Otherwise, the workshop at Smyk is probably my favorite place. I love to sit and immerse myself in making jewellery.”