Phoebe Carter

Before I started at the University of Southampton, I knew I wanted to be involved in advocacy and leadership within nursing. This has led me to seek opportunities to represent and advocate for my cohort during my studies, meaning I have been academically representing my cohort, and participating in conversations with the faculty for 4 years. 

In my position as academic course rep, I have been able to create change for students to improve their university experience, during both placement and theory blocks. For example, I have worked with other course reps to ensure skills sessions are delivered properly, I have advocated for, and contributed to the delivery of, pre-placement briefings for first year mental health nursing students, and I have fed back to module leads about lecture content. During my time at University, I have also been part of  many student-feedback sessions to discuss how support for students can be improved and developed. 

Through my role as course rep, I have been able to develop my leadership skills to a point where I feel confident in speaking up for what is right, and am able to have productive conversations about change within the University. I am passionate about creating positive experiences for student nurses during their training, and am confident in my ability to represent the nursing student body and to advocate for their needs within this role.