Memory, one of our Master of Public Health students, had the fantastic opportunity to work as a Medical Team Leader at the Commonwealth Games 2022.
Memory is a Master of Public health student on a part time basis, currently on a break due to having major surgery in May. Memory hasn’t let her surgery stop her from grasping opportunities working in the medical field. Working at the Commonwealth Games as a Medical Team Leader has helped Memory’s mental health and has spurred her on to apply to work at the Paris 2024 games and the Victoria 2026 games. Memory also works as a Research Nurse within the NHS too.
‘When I first heard that Birmingham had won the bid to host the games, I remember thinking wow I must be a part of this amazing opportunity.
When the London Olympics came, I had just given birth and, therefore, could not be a part of that and I missed out
Fast forward to 2022 after we had been in and out of the lockdown, and it seemed like the idea of the games was far from being a reality. In March, I finally got my email to confirm I had been successful in the selection process.
I really felt part of the event and we had amazing leadership. Volunteering gives a brilliant team experience it really gives the feeling you are in it together its such great teamwork.
I learnt a lot from this experience from meeting new people, new skills, delivering care in a different environment on a very large scale. I was also able to represent my community at these games.
I remember growing up my dad used to enjoy watching these games and it really was a big deal to him. This was all the way in Zimbabwe.
I would have never dreamt that one day I would be at a stadium witnessing these and meeting athletes, celebrities, and the royal family.
Volunteering has been positive for my mental health. It has helped me to feel good and improve feelings of self-esteem. It has provided me with an opportunity to make friends.
The skills I have gained are transferable for my healthcare role as well as my community group delivery. I lead on a local BAME group providing support to families that lost a relative due to Covid-19.
I feel I have caught the volunteering bug as I have already put my name forward for the Paris and Victoria Games.’
