A Biomedical Science student is helping her De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) classmates by acting as their voice.
Vivian Nwagboso has taken on roles representing her course, faculty and international students, identifying any problems and then finding solutions.
Balancing the demands of these key positions with her studies plus a Frontrunner internship requires determination, self-management and focus - but it's worth it for Vivian.
She said: "I want to bring feedback to help develop the university.
"DMU is just a name - it's the students and staff that make up the university and I am the bridge between them.
"Balancing all these roles is about self-management. I want to know what I'm doing today and tomorrow and I plan my time."
Born in Nigeria, Vivian moved to Leicester to further her education. Having an "unrecognised" degree in Medical Laboratory Science and because of differences in the education system, she needed additional qualifications to study at a UK university.
Three months into a BTEC, Vivian's college closed down. She contacted DMU and the team advised taking an online access course.
She said: "I didn't get a degree certificate in Nigeria, but I worked in a laboratory and gained basic knowledge, so it wasn't a waste of time.
"Every failure has made me stronger and more resilient. I won't give up until I get what I want."
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Vivian applied to DMU and was pleased to be offered a place studying Biomedical Science.
She said: "I am enjoying the course because it's quite lab-based and they're training me to see what the real world looks like.
"The modules are challenging but are good for employability. You can be a lecturer, researcher, work in industry or branch out for a master's."
Now in her second year, Vivian draws on her experiences to represent students on her course and across the faculty as School Representative Co-ordinator for Health and Life Sciences. She has also been elected De Montfort Students' Union (DSU) International Students' Representative.
Vivian said: "I help students by being their voice. I ask what people want university to do for them."
Working together with staff and students, she helps resolve any issues, with successes including changes to make some timetables more fixed.
Vivian is also boosting her employability with her role as Research and Commercialisation Frontrunner Plus.
"I am improving my administration, professional writing and team-working skills," she said.
Vivian hopes her activities, which also include membership of DSU societies, could help her land a placement year in industry.
She added: "I am very happy. I am applying for placements and all of this will give me something to talk about."
Posted on Thursday 1 December 2016