As a final year pharmacy student, academic progression throughout my entire life has provided its challenges. From learning course content, to application and then revision, studying a cognitively demanding degree like pharmacy has meant resilience has always centred on perseverance and determination to succeed academically, with the hope of one day making a positive impact on people’s lives.
However, over the summer I discovered a new meaning of resilience. As a female chair of a male dominated sports society the previous academic year, I encountered a variety of challenges. Despite this, I found resilience in my devotion to striving for inclusivity and a safe environment for all members to feel welcome. In instances of issues raised, I followed correct avenues of resolution and attempted to address them with the full involvement of all members, such as signposting documents and anonymous forms. Where appropriate I then liaised with staff within the university. Looking back, I often prioritised the wellbeing of members of the club above my own. Upon reflection, this was a key element of resilience I lacked, it is important to take a step back and see everything as a whole, address your own thoughts, feelings and wellbeing and account for it within challenges experienced.
On to my inspiration for writing this member voice. As a person who has rarely been ‘in trouble’ throughout my entire life at school or home, it has taken all of my courage to admit, as the chair (or previous chair) of the sporting society, I was involved in a formal investigation. If you have not been involved in an investigation before or been made aware of the process, it can be a very isolating experience. Within 4 hours of contacting the PDA I was connected with an incredible advisor, who listened to my entire situation and experiences. They guided me through the next steps of how an investigation should run and reassured me of the support I could be given.
The advisor assisted at every step of the process and highlighted injustices within the investigation, for example initially not being told the specifics of the reasoning behind the investigation, the absence of any evidence (it was a perception), the fact the investigation had no specific time frame and lasted almost 6 months. The reason for my involvement in the investigation was eventually discovered to be as I was the chair of the sporting society the previous year, despite my perseverance in trying to make a positive impact, I was bundled into an issue raised about a different committee member. The PDA provided immense support in reiterating how I should not be held accountable for another individual’s alleged actions and that in fact, the amount of work I had done for inclusion within the club the previous academic year and the vast amounts of evidence I amassed was commendable. Additionally, the PDA assisted me in realising the injustices I had suffered the previous year from harassment and misogyny I was subject to as a female chair, the PDA helped me realise that I had in some ways neglected myself. Having the privilege of being a member of the PDA was invaluable, as was the support in getting me thorough the process.
The amazing support of the PDA during my experience helped me to realise resilience isn’t just about academic performance. Nor is it just about being able to balance this with various extra curriculars or creating an impressive CV, as much as these are incredible achievements. Resilience is also about reaching out for assistance from others and accepting their support, it’s about looking after yourself while meeting the need of others. And most importantly, it’s about reflection and learning from your own and other’s experiences. As previously stated, I never imagined that I would be involved in a situation remotely like this, in fact, it was proved I had done nothing wrong. I tried my best and followed all the correct routes. However, it shows the value of having the support of the union for whatever life may throw at you.
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