Switching the Narrative

As another academic year comes to a close here at Christ Church, so has my time working as part of the Student Green Office and I prepare to enter the final year of my degree. As I get older, I am becoming more aware of how quickly time passes and I am starting to see the past and future differently than before. When we think of ‘looking back in hindsight’, we often fall into the trap of giving hindsight a negative connotation – we look back on our past with scrutiny, “I wish I did this” or “I should have done that”. We forget that hindsight can also be something positive, a chance to relish in what came before and feel grateful for whatever will come after. As I write my final blog post, I am taking this final opportunity to switch the narrative once again and let you know that you too can look back fondly, after all, our past has so much to teach us. It turns out I’ve got 20/20 hindsight (subtle Sleep Token reference), many memories from the past year to relish in and a whole lot of gratitude for the lessons I have learnt along the way. Thank you SGO – it’s been a good one <3

Imposter Syndrome

When I first applied and interviewed for this role, I had no faith that I would actually be offered the job. I have always struggled with self-confidence, and an overbearing fear of looking ‘stupid’. Even during the first two-three months of working with the SGO, I still had a so much doubt in myself and abilities, that I didn’t have what it would take to make any ‘significant’ change. Imposter syndrome had me in a chokehold (subtle Sleep Token reference part. 2) – Oh, how so much had changed!

The SGO has given me so much newfound confidence in myself, and I feel that I can finally say “I know I can make a difference”. Unfortunately, many of us feel paralyzed by the uncertainty of our futures, whether this be in relation to climate change, the future of gender or racial equality, political change and conflict overseas. Two lessons I have learnt over the past year:

1. We have the power to make a difference
2. The change we enact is significant no matter how big or small, just don’t let the buzz fade

In the spirit of looking back in hindsight positively, another lesson I have come to learn:

• Appreciate how far we have come – Here is a great article to celebrate the good eco-news: Fish door bells, plastic-eating fungi and tree hugging: Positive environmental stories from 2025 | Euronews

The Highlights

The period from September to the end of the academic year has been busy – it’s hard to choose just a few highlights! Some of my favourites have certainly been:

• Navigating Disabilities: A Talk – It was a privilege to work with the Disabled Students Society, Chaplaincy and some fellow students in aid of the UN’s National Day of Persons with Disabilities
• ‘I need feminism because…’ – In aid of International Women’s Month, staff and students shared why they need feminism.
• What the Croc? – One of my favourite blog posts to write!
• Team Meetings – The little hour slot each week has been something I have always looked forward to, spending time with the team, and hearing everyone’s amazing ideas.

A Final Message

So, as my last blog post comes to an end, so does my last message for anyone who reads this. In life, whether it be university, work, or beyond, do not let the fear of ‘looking stupid’ or not being ‘good enough’ hold you back. How exciting is it to know that there is always something new to learn and so much that others can teach us? You are far more capable than you could imagine, surround yourself with people who give you the confidence to go out there and make change, no matter how big or small.

I would like to say a massive thank you to my manager Bethany for believing in my potential, offering me this opportunity, and supporting all my weird and wonderful ideas throughout this year. Thank you to John for helping me with the most random tasks like making a hook for ‘hook the duck’. Lastly, a big thank you to Amitheesha, Flic and Holly for welcoming me as part of the SGO team. You all helped to build my confidence and bring me out of my shell. I have made some truly wonderful friends, and I cannot stress enough how valued each of them are – I am so lucky to have been amongst the leaders of tomorrow, I know they will go far!

In the wise words of scholar Winnie the Pooh, here are two quotes to some up the impact the SGO has had on me:

“How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard”

“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think”

Thank you SGO, it really has been a good one 😊

Maddie <3