Zoe Sayers, MSc Psychology student, first came to the University of Plymouth in 2011 to study her undergraduate degree in Physical Geography and Geology, excited to live in Britain’s Ocean City. After completing her bachelor’s degree, Zoe left Plymouth and participated in a variety of meaningful volunteer work over the course of a decade before deciding to return to education as a mature student.
Faced with numerous options as to where she could go to study next, Zoe shares how the University of Plymouth Students’ Union (SU) played a vital part in her decision to return to Plymouth, as well as the positive impact the SU continues to have on her time as a student and how it has helped shape the direction of her future.
Before joining the University of Plymouth, Zoe regularly participated in intensive, competitive fencing, however, after suffering a significant brain injury during her final year of secondary school, Zoe had to take a step back. Not wanting to part ways with her passion for fencing, Zoe decided to explore the opportunities available within the University of Plymouth Fencing Club. Realising that the student-led club was far more accommodating and welcoming of all students regardless of abilities and any limitations they may need to consider, Zoe became a member and was able to safely continue her long-standing hobby.
Zoe considers joining the Fencing Club as her most significant moment during her time at the University of Plymouth, which not only allowed her to meet friends she continues to be in touch with over a decade later, but also played a significant role in her finding her identity again following her brain injury.
It meant a huge amount to me. I felt like I had lost my sense of self, my sense of identity because fencing was all I had done, and the SU gave me an opportunity to be involved in fencing and achieve in fencing without necessarily having to be the best fencer, because now I was part of a team.
After a year as an active member, Zoe went on to be Women’s Captain of the Fencing Club. During that season, the women’s team were undefeated in the league and made the semi-finals of the BUCS National Cup. The club won the SU’s ‘Most Improved Club’ that year.
"There is one fencing plaque in the trophy cabinet in the SU, which is still there, and that was from the year that I was captain. It was the most successful fencing season the University has ever had. I walk past it now and then to remember the glory days!”
Alongside her leadership role in the Fencing Club, Zoe was frequently participating in volunteer work both outside of the University and with the SU. This included getting involved with the Student-Led Volunteering (SLV) programme, which led Zoe to receive her Full Colours Award after previously receiving her Half Colours for her involvement in sports.
“I quickly racked up the hours and it ended up being over 300 hours of volunteering in my final year. I got my Full Colours that year, which was very nice.”
Zoe not only credits the SU for providing opportunities to enhance her skills outside of academic work and making her student experience as memorable as it was, but also for motivating her to persevere with her undergraduate degree.
The SU is the core memory I have from my time as an undergraduate. […] If I hadn’t had made the most of the SU, I probably would have dropped out as an undergraduate quite early on.
10 years later…
After 10 years away from student life, Zoe decided to return to education to pursue a career in psychology, and she was confident it was Plymouth she would be returning to.
“When I was looking at coming back to do my Masters, Plymouth wouldn’t have been one of my options if I hadn’t had that positive experience with the SU. […] I just had such good memories of being here as an undergrad with all the extracurricular things I did, that I didn’t even apply to any other Universities to do this Masters. I thought ‘no, I am going back to Plymouth.’”
Having previously been involved in the SLV Special Olympics programme, Zoe returned to take on the role as Project Leader, as well as taking on a committee role in the Women’s Rugby club as Wellbeing Secretary.
10 years later, I decided I wasn’t just going to come back and study, because if I hadn’t have done all the stuff I was doing with the SU when I was here the first time, I wouldn’t have got through my time at the University.
Zoe admits she was nervous to come back to student life after so many years away and return as a mature student, however, expresses appreciation for the SU for being a place she can always feel accepted.
I was anxious coming back to University at the age of 30 and feeling old, but I can walk through the SU without feeling out of place. I think no matter what you are studying, or who you are or how old you are, you are always made to feel welcome.
In 10 more years…
Zoe strongly believes that her experience at the SU has already and will continue to help shape her future, placing a particular emphasis on the volunteer work she took part in whilst at University the first time, and how that influenced her time between her undergraduate and postgraduate degree. From volunteering with Mountain Rescue for four years to joining a voluntary disaster response organisation for seven years, Zoe’s contribution to society through volunteering was immense. Zoe’s services to the community during the Covid-19 pandemic led to her being presented with a British Empire Medal in the New Year Honours List 2022: “None of that would have happened if I hadn’t have got involved with volunteering with the SU when I was here the first time,” she shares.
Zoe has continued to receive awards since returning to University, for example, in the SU’s recent Celebrate Success Awards, which took place on the 2nd of May 2024, Zoe was awarded Star of the Year as well as Highly Commended in in the SLV Award for her continuous involved with the Special Olympics. The Women’s Rugby Club also acknowledged Zoe’s dedication to their team, awarding her with ‘Most Committed’ to the club during their awards night on the 24th of May 2024.
Grateful for the diversity of transferable skills she will take forward in life from volunteering, Zoe is confident that her experiences will provide her with even more opportunities moving forward after graduating.
I could fill a CV with stuff that I have done just with my time through the SU.
Zoe will be finishing her postgraduate this academic year but hopes to continue to be involved with the Special Olympics and other volunteer work after graduating and has no doubts that the trajectory of her life will forever be shaped by her time with the SU.
Zoe’s advice to anyone who has not yet engaged with the SU…
“There is something for everyone, and if there is not something for you, set it up.
There are thousands of students at this University, there is going to be at least enough people to start something that have the same interests as you.
You get out of this place what you put into it, and I don’t know anyone who regrets being involved with the SU.”
