At SSS we make a conscious effort to support and celebrate our volunteers. Our network is full of people who dedicate their time to get involved and help ensure that student sport runs smoothly and today we are celebrating someone who helps make sport happen.

Ana Jurado Santos is a 3^rd year Bio-Med Student at Dundee University, and last year Ana won Scottish Student Volleyball Volunteer of the year. Although initially shocked stating that the win was not expected Ana reflected on how proud she has been to receive the award, noting that she felt that her hard work had been recognised.

Ana has always been encouraged by her parents to jump in with two feet, and her first on campus year was no different. During the 21/22 season Ana was not only volunteering as the volleyball club Social Media Manger but also in the women’s 1^st team and District League Captain and Coach. She mentioned that not only did this make her feel like she was part of something bigger but that it helped her integrate into the Dundee community and it helped her find a group of friends that have supported her during the year.

We asked Ana what advice she would give students: ‘University is not all about the academics, it’s about finding yourself and your purpose, volunteering and being involved in sports help you do that.’ Ana said that she has found sport the best way to meet new people when she moved to Dundee, and that unlike high school at university you have to make a conscious choice to be involved. She advised that by jumping two feet into sports volunteering you can find friends for life, so don’t be scared just take small steps and make people aware you are willing to help.

The final take away from her experience that Ana wanted to share was ‘I realised that I am a special case, where I give a LOT of time, and it is quite intense. I just wanted to mention that from an organisational point of view, volunteering comes in many shapes and sizes. And all are appreciated. Whether it is a few hours a week or a lot, showing up to fundraisers and events that clubs and the sports union organise, providing a venue for socials and meet ups or taking part in any other way.

I don’t want to put any people off by saying that Volunteering takes an intense toll and time and effort. In these kinds of things, all the small bits matter as much. A lot of people doing smaller bits of volunteer is much better than one person doing a lot.’

“If you are motivated by Ana’s volunteering and are looking to do likewise please contact your sports union/department or check out our vacancies page. Equally if you have an inspiring story about a volunteer within the SSS network that you would like to share, please contact Jo Foster, Learning & People Development Officer.”