Even though many people absolutely love university life as soon as it begins, I was one of those people who struggled. I was nervous before I came, and felt incredibly overwhelmed by the work and new environment in my first year. But I am so thankful that I ended up at Murray Edwards. As soon as I got my grades, the college gave me tons of information and stories about the realities of university life. I remember reading the JCR letter, and they said it’s normal to feel lonely and homesick at times. When I entered Murray Edwards, it was tangibly open and encouraging. Having almost completed two years at Medwards, I know this support and friendliness is innate. I received amazing help when I needed it most. This is why I wanted to be the Academic & Welfare Officer for the JCR- to continue this legacy.
Welfare at Murray Edwards means creating an environment which grants people the freedom to say when they struggle and to give them choice. This means thoughtfully speaking the truth, both about ourselves and when we give encouragement and advice. So how do we go about this? Well, we don’t just turn our backs; make them to wade through their strife and hope they come out the other side as a better person. Nor do we take over, or ‘mother’ the ‘daughters’. Murray Edwards meets students in the middle. Everyone involved in welfare, both the JCR and college staff, aim to give students the confidence to take control of their own lives and situations. But at the same time, say to students that there is no shame in asking for help and that there are always ways forward.
Being on the JCR was amazing! It was fun, and we really did try to do as much as possible to help. Of course, many of our events involve food… We put on daily ‘Tea@3’ during exams term and weekly cake breaks for the rest of the year, to give people some tasty relief. But I am most proud of the way the JCR has promoted the culture of choice. One example of many would be over the issue of alcohol. Of course, many students come to Murray Edwards very comfortable with alcohol, but some students find it uncomfortable. Murray Edwards JCR believes your choice is entirely your own. We respect the choices of all students. We respect students who choose to drink. We respect students who choose not to drink. During this last Freshers’ week, I was responsible for putting on ‘alternative’ events for people who decided they didn’t want to drink that evening. These events were open to everyone: those who don’t drink alcohol because of their beliefs or because they just didn’t want to, to those who just fancied a quieter night.
This is just one small example of the way the Murray Edwards has created a culture of acceptance, openness and choice.
Sarah Pellew
Sarah Pellew is the outgoing 2014 Academic & Welfare Officer for the JCR (the College’s students’ society). She is a second year reading PPS (Politics, Psychology and Sociology).