Xin Song

Active Student - a volunteer's experience

Xin took English Language Studies with Media. She did three placements through Active Student and also attended the Skills Reflection Workshop which helped her to identify the different skills that she developed.

Had you volunteered before coming to university?

Yes, I got involved in the 2004 Children's and Youth's Art and Culture Festival. It was organised by the Song Qing Ling charity organisation. The event took place in Budapest, Hungary.  Many children came from Shang Hai, China to show their performances. I was in charge of one of the groups and helped in translating Chinese to Hungarian and Hungarian to Chinese. Also, I was one of the presenters in the opening event. This festival happened in August 2004, just before I came to Brighton. This was my first volunteering experience.

Why did you decide to get involved with Active Student?

Because this could give me more opportunities to do things such as the work I am interested in and to get different experiences. It’s also good on my CV.

What volunteering opportunities have you done?

Cine City Festival – where I was looking after the Third Man exhibition. French Film week – doing the ‘Underworld’ art exhibition, and the Brighton and Hove International Women’s Day event where I was helping with the publicity, and also making a film which will be released with the evaluation book.

Why did you choose these opportunities?
They are related to my media studies course.

Which was the most rewarding? And why?

The International Women’s Day event. While volunteering, I finished my media project by filming the event.

What have you gained from your volunteering?

I got to know more people and learnt how people are supportive and helpful in this country. Also, I gained some knowledge that I didn’t have for example, the art exhibition based on Greek myths. As a person from an Asian country, I had very low knowledge about the Greek myths. I got to know more about Pandora’s Box, Aphrodite, goddess of agriculture, etc. Especially, I was able to relate all the volunteering I have done as sources for my projects.