Érika is a current MSc student studying Social and Cultural Psychology here at LSE. She also is a Student Champion for Marie Curie, an end-of-life-care charity. In this blogpost, Érika shares her inspiration for volunteering with Marie Curie and tells us more about how this volunteering allowed her to acclimate and improve her English fluency in a safe environment. 

Can you make a difference for social causes in a foreign land, speaking a new language, all while juggling the demands of student life and aiming to sharpen your skills? Absolutely! Let us dive into how you can make your mark without feeling swamped.

As the new year unfolds, you are likely brimming with goals and eager to make the most of your time at LSE. From my journey, I can attest that volunteering is a top-notch option. It is not just about giving back; it’s about personal and professional growth every step of the way. Here is how: firstly, discover what motivates you and find a charity that resonates with you.  Secondly, identify the skills you want to sharpen and how you can do so within that charity. Lastly, trust yourself! Allow me to share a snippet of my story and how I have put these steps into practice while volunteering at Marie Curie.

When I arrived at LSE, I was determined to dive into a meaningful social project. I constantly looked at LSE’s volunteering opportunities, searching for an option that would allow me to contribute to society while strengthening my English communication skills and learning more about project management in social settings. That is when I discovered Marie Curie and the Student Champion position.

I did not hesitate to apply because, in addition to the aforementioned reasons, Marie Curie had something even more special for me. Their mission to ensure everyone receives compassionate end-of-life care resonated deeply with me. Having been my mother’s caregiver during her final battle with cancer, I understood firsthand the challenges and the crucial need for support. Joining Marie Curie was not just about meeting my professional and personal goals; it was about continuing to make my mother proud by teaming up with a crew that helps families navigate the toughest of times—just like ours. It is my way of honouring their memory.

I applied for the position with fears of not being chosen because one of my areas for improvement is fluency in English, and I was afraid this might disqualify me. But after the interview, I received the best news: the team welcomed me with open arms, and that is when my journey with Marie Curie officially began.

The first meeting was at their offices, where I met the team, who warmly welcomed and supported me. Since then, they have constantly shown concern for their volunteers and sought ways to support us in our personal and professional growth. Collaborating with them is a privilege because they wholeheartedly live out their mission to champion human dignity in every facet of their work.

Their encouragement has emboldened me to go above and beyond my role as a Student Champion. I have become involved in other charity campaigns, like December’s fundraising drive with collection buckets, and I have mingled with fellow volunteers at networking events, forging connections and building a community. Along the way, fulfilling my role has pushed me to interact with diverse people, fuelling my drive to improve my English communication skills—one of my goals.

In conclusion, volunteering with Marie Curie, the end of life charity who care for people with any illness they are likely to die from, has been a fulfilling blend of giving back to a cause close to my heart and personal growth. Professionally, it has been a platform to enhance my English fluency and delve into fundraising within the social sector. I encourage you to explore volunteer opportunities that resonate with your interests and values; LSE’s volunteering team provides many options. Moreover, if you can and as a starting point, consider participating in the Day of Reflection activities happening in March, organised by Marie Curie. It is a meaningful opportunity to honour and remember those we have lost throughout the pandemic. You can find more information at: https://dayofreflection.org.uk/

Let’s make a difference together!

If Érika has inspired you to volunteer, check out one of our other ongoing opportunities or book a one-to-one with David Coles, the Volunteer Centre Manager if you have more questions. And why not follow us on Twitter, and Instagram to stay up-to-date with our events and opportunities and read our blog for more volunteering tips and stories.