Claudia was a member of the Women's Hockey team, Spanish and Latin American Society and Women in Finance Society.
Claudia has been an active member of the Students’ Union community over the last four years since she started her studies. As an international student, she tells us how important it is to find both personal and professional connections through clubs and societies, all whilst having a little slice of home for comfort.
Hi, I’m Claudia and I have been involved in TeamUCL and societies at Students’ Union UCL. I'm from Madrid, so when I first started University, I joined the Spanish and Latin American society as I wanted to feel part of a community that reminded me of home. It was great, however I wanted to explore my hobbies and interests. Last year, I got involved in the Hockey team. I played hockey when I was younger in school, so I thought I would enjoy playing for fun at UCL. I went to the trials and absolutely loved it – I wish I’d joined in first year!
My time in Hockey
I’m quite an organised person, and for me I really wanted to not only get involved in hockey but to make a difference in the club. I became the EDI representative. I know firsthand how it feels to be studying in a country you’re not from, and I really wanted to make everyone feel welcome. I was able to work with the committee to organise inclusive events, for example a letter writing workshop for International Women’s Day. I have enjoyed representing UCL on a local and national level, for example at BUCS conference this year, and I couldn’t believe it when I won Activities Rep of the Year at the Students' Union Community Awards!
In my final year, I became treasurer for the Hockey team, joined the Women in Finance Society and became a sports rep in TeamUCL. I wanted to leverage my experiences I’ve gained whilst being part of the Students’ Union and utilise them for my future career. Since then, I’ve arranged events within my clubs, coordinated a conference with HSBC and even brought a speaker in to talk about her experience playing for the England Hockey Team. I’m pleased to say that I’ve got a graduate scheme lined up with our Hockey Team sponsors. Being part of sports has not only opened possibilities for connection in friendships and hobbies, but I now have a placement in my career because of it.
Being part of contrasting clubs – Hockey, Women in Finance, Spanish – it teaches you that there are more ways than one to connect with people. I’ve gained a broad perspective and couldn’t have done it without being involved in Students' Union activity.
I’ve changed so much as a person, met so many great people and done so many great things I didn’t even know I could do – it’s been incredibly fulfilling.
My team has become a small family within a bigger family across the whole club. I live with one of my best friends I made at Hockey – you never know who you will meet! So that would be my advice for someone to when joining university. To not only be part of societies, but to try sports, and even if you're not the best at it, just do it. Go for it, give it a shot, because you'll succeed.