What does it mean to be part of the LGBTQ+ community and how do you identify?

It means so much to be part of the LGBTQ+ community, especially when I combine this with my degree. As a bisexual woman in Primary Education, I find joy in the ability to promote normalised LGBTQ+ representation in the classroom where it is often lacking or feared. In today's society (now more than ever), there is a desperate need for people to be kind to each other as well as accept people for who they are.

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I have made it my personal mission to bring positive representation into the classroom, allowing for all children to express themselves however they are and to feel seen in the classroom.

I don't often lead with labelling myself. You love who you love, why put it in a box?

I am currently the Social Media Secretary for the Performing Arts Society, being their lead editor for both shows and social media channels. 

I really enjoy running this as it allows me to celebrate our Society's community.

I also get to play a key part in showcasing the talents of each of our members, highlighting them and their successes.

Finally, there are a lot of opportunities to liaise with other Societies to help cross-promote creative/charitable projects or wider University events to help strengthen the bond of a family, both as a Society and as a University!

Greenwich will endeavour to provide a place to let you explore your passions and nuture them. For me, I was able to continue my love for the Performing Arts. I was also able to engage with my academic interests through my enrichment unit on "Art in Education".

What makes you Proud to be GRE?

I am proud because of the Students' Union's committment to try and engage students in a host of activities to build a wider community. Even in the wake of Covid-19, the Students' Union hosted a series of events such as Virtual Escape Rooms, Quizzes and Craft tutorials.

These events have catered to a variety of interests. With lockdowns making things harder for people, the fact that these events are available so students can still connect and get involved safely in student beyond the four walls of a bedroom helps to make being a student during Covid a little more bearable.

Do you have any advice for LGBTQ+ and any new students starting?

To any new students please try and get involved. Get our, meet new people and make us of the time that you have! I found that, even as an introvert, making it a priority to try new things enriched my university experience beyond what I eve imagined it could be!

What opportunities has The University of Greenwich given to you?

I have been able to work with the local community as a part of my course (working with an established Greenwich church to create educational resources) as well as work closely with Charlton Atheltic Football Club as part of their partnership with the University.

My extracurricular engagement with the Performing Arts Society has allowed me to travel and perform, with one of my largest achievements beind a performance as part of the Inter-University Drama Festival in Glasgow!

What are your future goals?

I would like to take my interests in the classroom and lead the creative curriculum. I would also like to pioneer for classroom culture and wider school ethos that celebrates all members of the LGBTQ+ community. In broader goals, I would like to take my education background to a theatre or museum, educating and enriching children's lives through the creative arts!

Lockdown has taught me lots of lessons, but perhaps the most valuable is that there is always time for compassion and kindness (both to yourself and to others). 

Throughout the pandemic, it has been difficult for so many people to cope with the challenges COVID-19 has brought.

Even despite the difficulties people have faced, acts of kindness and courage have been commonplace. This commitment to kindness in the face of adversity was so important and gave hope to me and so many others.