Meet the Student Wellbeing Ambassadors
Our Wellbeing Ambassadors play a crucial role in supporting wellbeing projects and delivering trainings within the University student community. These remarkable individuals are the faces of wellbeing, championing crucial topics such as mental health, equity and promoting a campus culture that rejects bullying, harassment and discrimination. They serve as beacons of support, empowerment and advocacy for their peers, guiding students to support services and shining a light on the art of self-care.
Left to right: Salma and Shivani
From the ambassadors themselves, here’s what they have to say about their journey:
What initially made you want to work in this role/with the wellbeing team?
Olivia:
I loved the idea that this was a role where I would get to help and engage with my peers in a capacity that also was flexible around my personal and professional commitments. I especially loved the Be Well team’s focus on mental and physical health, and I knew that the work I would potentially be doing in this space would be a meaningful use of my time here at University.
Salma:
I have always had a passion for helping others and promoting overall wellbeing. When I learned about the opportunity to work with the wellbeing team, I was immediately drawn to the role. The chance to make a positive impact on people’s lives and contribute to their happiness and wellness is incredibly fulfilling to me. Additionally, being part of a team dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals on their wellbeing journeys aligns perfectly with my values and professional goals.
What is your fondest memory in this role?
Olivia:
My fondest memory in this role so far has to be when our team organised ‘Dogs on Campus’ day for Wiki Whai. During a period when exams and assignments were mounting up in a particularly stressful way during Semester One, having the opportunity to spend a few hours meeting people and getting to see how much joy these dogs brought to everyone’s day was so exciting and fun; not to mention getting to play with puppies for a whole morning before lectures!
Salma:
My fondest memory in this role has to be when we organised the ‘Pink Shirt Day’ event for Wiki Whai Hauora. Sharing my knowledge about the significance of Pink Shirt Day and simultaneously educating those unfamiliar with the event was truly rewarding. I thoroughly enjoyed making pink candy floss during this event and participating in the pink tie-dye t-shirt activity. Amid the overwhelming load of assignments, it offered a much-needed break, allowing me to spend a few hours connecting with people and witnessing the delight the candy floss brought them.
Amid the overwhelming load of assignments, it offered a much-needed break, allowing me to spend a few hours connecting with people and witnessing the delight the candy floss brought them.
Olivia leads a Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination training.
What have you learnt in this role?
Olivia:
When I joined this team as a fourth-year, I was genuinely surprised by the multitude of support services the University offers. Back in my struggling first-year days, I didn’t know much about these resources. Now I take real pleasure in spreading the word to others because I know these services can be a real lifesaver when things get tough. I also learnt how to make a mean cotton candy.
Salma:
Since taking on this role, I’ve gained valuable insights into the wide array of services that the University provides to students who require extra support when coursework becomes overwhelming and uncertainty sets in. I feel genuinely grateful and content knowing I can share this knowledge with my friends and the entire student community as a whole. My involvement in this role has deepened my understanding of the significance of wellbeing. Through my role, I’ve had the privilege of participating in empowerment self-defence classes, an experience that has allowed me to understand the history behind this movement and taught me the importance of confidence and assertiveness in various aspects of life.
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