We sat down to chat with Annalisa Kristoffersen, a MSc Public Policy student about her experience volunteering with Age UK Kensington & Chelsea as a Creative Writing Teacher.
Could you provide an insight into your volunteering with Age UK? What did it entail?
I am a Creative Writing Instructor and lead one-hour sessions every Monday. This entails preparing a session around a creative writing principle, developing an exercise around that objective that I think the group would enjoy, and then guiding the group through the activity. We have a range of experience and creative writing interests within the group, and the work that people share always leaves me inspired!
Why did you start volunteering and what attracted you to volunteer for Age UK?
As a mature student who enrolled in UCL after already working for a while, I was eager to take advantage of my flexible schedule to step into a “giving” capacity via the UCL Volunteering division, during a life season where I was doing a lot of internally-focused development for career progression. While I have enjoyed being a student again, I also missed contributing to a mission beyond my personal and professional goals. When the volunteer opportunity arrived to my inbox, it appeared to be the perfect area to branch out into the community while combining my love of reading and writing. I also feel strongly about showing up for older adults and believe in the benefits of intergenerational exchange. Living in the age of the technology revolution has made the divide worse. As loved ones have gotten older, I especially see the value in Age UK’s mission so getting involved with them has been a true privilege.
How have you found the support from Age UK?
I have been hugely impressed by AgeUK and their support since applying to the position. Their vetting process and orientation session required by volunteers was very thorough, and really underscored the importance of Age UK’s work, and informed us of best practices to most benefit Age UK members (and us as volunteers!).
How have you found managing volunteering with University?
I found it imperative to make the sessions a prioritity and managed my time accordingly – there were one or two Mondays where I was unable to attend, and a AgeUK staff or my co-instructor, Jasmine, covered for me. I think a common barrier for students to volunteer is a mindset that an additional commitment away from studies might harm an academic career.
But volunteering next to your studies will prepare you in ways that you might not learn in the classroom, while expanding your networking and leaving you with a more enriching experience as a time as a student when graduating.
What key skills have you developed through volunteering? How have these helped with your academic life and your career?
I recently attended a professional development session on innovation, and the speaker covered the concept of divergent thinking. After hearing this lesson, I reflected on my Age UK sessions and the brilliant individuals who demonstrate their creativity in their writing, and it energises and inspires me to foster creativity within others but also myself throughout my life, including academia and my career.
I have also learned so much from the perspectives of participants, while also learning further how to lead a diverse group of individuals with different ways of thinking.
Would you recommend volunteering? Why should others volunteer?
Absolutely. I grew up in a civic engagement program for youth, so I have learned the value of volunteering for myself and others since an early age.
It is a great way to further get to know London, other people in the community, and develop yourself as a person while spending time in a very meaningful way.
The weekly session turned out to be one of the highlights of my week that I would look forward to! You don’t need to offer all your free time, even a little goes a long way as long as you show up dedicated and committed to the role and who they are serving. Find something you’re passionate about, which will make volunteering even more fun! I’ll end with a favourite Churchill quote (we are in London after all!) – “You make a living by what you get, you make a life by what you give.” Get out there and volunteer, you won’t regret it.
Thank you so much to Annalisa for sharing her wonderful experience! If you would like to get involved in volunteering, make sure to check out our Volunteering Directory to find all of the latest opportunities across London!