A year ago Georgia would not have even considered being part of something like Partners in Learning, but now she’s loving every minute of it.

I’m sat here, at my desk, as a summer intern for Partners in Learning. If you’d asked me a year ago what I’d be doing with my first university summer break I probably would have supposed that I’d be sat at home watching daytime TV and slowly becoming one with the sofa. Never for a moment would I imagine that I’d be working at the university, with my own staff login, respected as an equal member of staff and with a self-made agenda to complete by the end of summer.

My role as intern means I have my fingers in lots of pies. I’m managing our social media accounts, updating the blog, arranging meetings, marketing, redesigning the Partners in Learning hub, creating a short explanatory video about the Learning & Teaching strategy, presenting at a major student engagement conference and meeting so many people along the way.

The opportunity to work with Partners in Learning (in the 2 projects I’ve been involved with since November and this internship) has changed my entire university experience and has already enhanced my time as a student. In September I will be going into my second year of university, and as an Education Studies student I can already think of lots of areas I could apply my newfound knowledge in my course. Even if my studies were not in the educational field I can still think of skills and attributes that would be transferable to any programme; things like confidence, passion towards my university experience, a drive for success.

The absence of assessment in Partners in Learning projects means that you learn to succeed in a way you never have before, rather than grappling for the top marks you learn to work collaboratively and aspire to what you know you are capable of. Your effort and hard work is equally as worthwhile.

Something I’ve particularly adopted is this notion of never doubting yourself. You will gravitate towards those opportunities that are perfect for you. Seek out those opportunities that not only suit you down to a T but also those that might seem challenging and out of your comfort zone.

Anything can happen if you grasp every opportunity you are offered, and take a leap of faith in your ability to succeed.

Georgia Horsley