I volunteered as a PASS leader in the Applied Data Science course. Volunteering with this opportunity aligns with my passion for helping others and the satisfaction I feel when I can support people.  It provides a platform for personal development, boosting my confidence and enhancing my skills and gave me the opportunity to engage in public speaking, especially in front of large groups of students, which significantly improved my confidence.  Being able to support fellow students and contribute to their academic success is a fulfilling experience.  Moreover, the valuable experience gained as a PASS leader will greatly strengthen my CV.

My volunteering role involves a variety of tasks and responsibilities. Before the session, I prepare by reviewing the course material, identifying challenging topics, and gathering relevant resources to assist the students. When the session begins, I welcome the students and create a positive and inclusive learning environment. I facilitate group discussions, encourage active participation, and address any questions or concerns raised by the students. During the session, I provide explanations, examples, and additional guidance to help students understand difficult concepts. I also encourage peer-to-peer interaction, fostering collaborative learning among the students. After the session, I reflect on the session's effectiveness, gather feedback, and make any necessary adjustments for future sessions. Outside of the sessions, I engage in regular meetings with other PASS leaders and the course instructor to discuss progress, exchange ideas, and coordinate activities. Additionally, I stay updated with any relevant course announcements or changes to better support the students.

Volunteering as a PASS leader has provided me with valuable learning experiences.  Interacting with a diverse group of students has improved my communication skills, both in delivering information effectively and actively listening to students' questions and concerns.  I have learned how to facilitate group discussions, encourage active participation, and create a supportive learning environment. Teaching and explaining concepts to others have deepened my understanding of the Applied Data Science course material. As a PASS leader, I have had to revisit and reinforce my own knowledge, ensuring I can provide accurate explanations and examples to students.  I have learned to be patient and supportive, offering encouragement and tailored guidance to help students overcome obstacles and succeed in their studies.

I enjoyed the whole journey as a PASS leader. As a PASS leader, it brings me a tremendous sense of fulfilment to witness the progress of the fellow students, see them grasp challenging concepts, and watch their confidence grow. The collaborative and supportive atmosphere we create during PASS sessions not only benefits the students but also provides a rewarding experience for me. I truly appreciate the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share knowledge, and work together as a team. Overall, the joy of making a positive impact on the academic journey of others and experiencing personal growth myself are the most enjoyable aspects of being a PASS leader.

Through volunteering as a PASS leader, I have developed a range of valuable skills that have had a positive impact on my personal and professional growth. These skills include effective communication, leadership, problem-solving, empathy, patience, time management, collaboration, teamwork, and adaptability. These skills are not only relevant to the role of a PASS leader but also have broader applications in various aspects of life, academics, and future career endeavours.  I would highly recommend the Volun-tees scheme to my fellow students. Volunteering as a PASS leader has numerous benefits that can enrich both personal and academic growth. It provides an opportunity to develop essential skills such as communication, leadership, and problem-solving, which are highly values in various professional settings.

I have successfully achieved my Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Engineering, followed by completing my Masters in Data Science. With this academic background, my aspiration is to embark on a career as a data scientist. I recently had a meeting with a Career Adviser to seek assistance with my CV and cover letter, and I found their service to be incredibly helpful. The Career Adviser provided valuable support and guidance in creating my CV and cover letter, ensuring they effectively showcased my skills and qualifications. Additionally, they provided guidance on job search strategies and application techniques, Furthermore, the Career Adviser shared information about various job opportunities aligned with my interests. I am truly grateful for their support, as it played a crucial role in helping me secure a job in desired field.

I have always had a deep-rooted passion for helping others. It brings me great joy and satisfaction to offer support to individuals whenever I have the opportunity to do so.

My advice to anyone thinking of volunteering is that they need to understand the purpose of the organisation, embrace open-mindedness, communicate and collaborate effectively, emphasize reliability and commitment, seek learning opportunities, practice empathy and respect, reflect on experiences for personal growth, and appreciate the fulfilling nature of the volunteer journey.