Dearest loyal blog readers, I know what you may be thinking: “I am sure I read a similar blog to this a year ago”. Yes, you in fact did (20/20 Hindsight – My Year with the SGO). By an unexpected turn of events, I was lucky enough to spend a second year with the SGO. The last two years have gone by in a flash, but they have made my time at university so much more meaningful than I ever thought possible. This final blog really is the last one this time. Something that did not feel possible three years ago is now a reality – I have completed my degree! These three years have been challenging to say the least, but when I think of the SGO I am reminded about how much this role has meant to me and the role it has played in shaping my journey from first year student to soon to be graduate! So, for the last time, let me take you on my journey with the SGO over the last year.

Image Description – Emilia (left), Flic (middle), Maddie (right) at Bat Conservation Trust fundraiser

A goal of mine for this year was to spend more time working on environmental sustainability initiatives. Social sustainability has always been a passion of mine, and the SGO nurtured that last year. This year was about pushing outside of my comfort zone and seeing what I could do to make a difference. Unbeknownst to me at the time, I am now very fond of bats! Back in October, the team and I put together a fundraiser for the Bat Conservation Trust raising a total of £77.94. This event taught me a lot about our community here at Christ Church. The willingness of staff and students to donate to support the charity has gone towards bat conservation and rehabilitation. However, it was so much more than that. Many were willing to offer support without receiving anything in return and even approached us to say thank you for raising awareness about bats who are so frequently misunderstood. Sometimes, in this line of work it can be hard to help people care about such causes, but moments like this remind us why we as a team do what we do.

Image Description – Cards for ‘Dear Christmas Friend…’

Similar to the generosity seen at our Bat Conservation Trust fundraiser, was the kindness shown for our Dear Christmas Friend campaign for Age UK. A total of thirty Christmas cards were signed by members of the Christ Church community and sent to two care homes in the UK so that elderly people knew they were thought of. Reading some of the messages truly moved me and I just know they meant so much to whoever received them. While my first year with the SGO taught me a lot about sustainability, my second year taught me a lot about people and the kindness that is out there if we take the time to stop and see. Although, they do go hand in hand. I think when it boils down to it, sustainability is inherently about caring. Whether it be for the planet, people, animals and so on. Truly caring has the power to make a difference and create change.

If I had to give one final message, drawing on what the SGO has taught me over the last two years, its to remember to show you care. Find what resonates with you, whether it be the future of the planet, the people on it or something else entirely. Something done with care has the power to create change. Linking back to my message from last year “the change we enact is significant no matter how big or small”. Let the SGO be evidence of that.

I would like to say a special thank you to my manager, Bethany, for seeing potential in me two years ago and allowing me the opportunity to continue my work for another year. The SGO has meant more to me than I ever thought it could. To John for the many interesting conversations we have had, and lastly to the 2025/26 SGO team who have been a part of this journey. I strongly encourage you to read their blogs to hear what they have been up to this year. There have been some truly amazing projects!

Thank you SGO, it was truly a pleasure 😊

Maddie

By Madeline Polston, SGO Projects Officer 2024-2026