Katrina Pugh

BSc Mathematics

I have been involved in a wide range of co-curricular activities since I started my course at Leeds.  Through the Action volunteering society and with the help of a grant from the Leeds for Life Foundation I have developed skills and experiences that have really helped me with my job applications.

I’m now going to be a secondary school mathematics teacher, as part of the Schools Direct scheme, and I have no doubts in my mind that Leeds for Life has helped me to achieve this fantastic role.

I have been taking part in the Leeds for Life scheme since my first year of studying here at the University of Leeds.

During my second year, I was a project co-ordinator along with one other volunteer for the volunteering society Action, which runs the Reach project. The Reach project takes children with learning difficulties away for the weekend in order to improve their independence, help them gain life skills, give their families well deserved respite and engage them in fun activities that they may not otherwise have chance to participate in. I’d organised a couple of trips and we had to arrange to fund it ourselves, through applying for external funding and liaising with the Student Union.

However, for the third and final trip, I received a Leeds for Life Foundation grant for £500 which enabled us to take 8 children aged between 12-16 away on a farm weekend, where a range of activities were arranged, such as archery, to enhance their skill sets and teamwork capabilities.

As one of the two project co-ordinators, I was responsible for a team of 6 volunteers, as well as the children.

I couldn’t recommend getting involved with the Leeds for Life Foundation enough. The application form was so easy and the skills and experiences I have gained from taking part have enabled me to flourish with my job applications.

I’m now going to be a secondary school mathematics teacher, as part of the Schools Direct scheme, and I have no doubts in my mind that Leeds for Life has provided me with the opportunity to achieve this fantastic role.