Voices of the University – why being a student researcher is awesome!
by Jess Dale
Student researching is an innovative way for students to experience research for the first time. With the help of staff to keep you on the straight and narrow, this may seem daunting (trust me it was to me) but when your research gets firmly underway and all members are comfortable, it is an exciting experience. True, working with my lecturers and fellow peers was intimidating at the beginning, but once I realised that they are as hyperactive as me I was thrilled. Due to my team being so approachable, I am able to argue my points in our discussions and even ask for help when I get lost (surprisingly frequent for a 2nd year student).
My research is part of the ‘Voices in the University’ oral history project of York St. John. The huge coincidence of York St. Johns 175 year’s anniversary occurring alongside this research gives us a chance to make use of all the excitement and popularity of this milestone. My tasks as part of the researching team is to have informal conversations with people about their experiences with the university. I am looking forward to these interviews because talking is one of my strong suits (some may argue perhaps too much). Regardless of my bubbly nature, interviewing a range of people internally or externally allows me and my fellow researchers to discover how people truly feel about the university and their interaction with the York community.
Other aspects of the research include a ‘storyzone’ section which is available to all those who wish to write their experiences on our website if an interview sounds too intimidating. Trust me, every little memory you believe links to the university and the wider community is greatly welcome.
Now that my sales pitch is complete I just want everyone reading this to appreciate how a student researching opportunity should not be scoffed at. It helps build confidence and independence (it even helps boost your C.V.). I would recommend everybody to apply for this scheme.
Thanks for reading!
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