The Outstanding PLUS Awards (OPA) recognise those Bristol PLUS Achievers who have gone above and beyond within their PLUS Award activity, giving students an opportunity to articulate and reflect on their impact and personal development.
This year we had 139 nominations across the eight categories, the highest in the history of the OPA. Though there can only be one winner per category, the judges were extremely impressed by the hard work and dedication of those shortlisted and decided to give several honourable mentions.
Let’s meet these outstanding candidates and celebrate them for their achievements, motivation, and self-development.
Better World
Brief: Student will have contributed to tackling global challenges in a local or global context. These challenges, either large or small, will likely be linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Ione Howells, Environmental Policy and Management (MSc)
Working as an organiser at UK Youth for Nature, Ione showed dedication and creativity working to engage the next generation in tackling the climate and nature crises’, alongside their studies.
“I co-led workshops on the huge variety of nature in Wales, the issues the natural world faces, and how young people could get involved to help – including getting in touch with local MPs and councils, and working with their schools and local communities to create nature-friendly spaces.”
Change Maker
Brief: Student will have created positive change in their workplace or community to benefit people or the organisation.
Anna Harris, Music (BA)
Anna worked hard to revitalise the University’s chamber music scene as Chamber Music co-ordinator for Bristol Univeristy Music Society, increasing access and support to musicians across the University and promoting the works of underrepresented composers.
“I sensed an opportunity to make chamber music more inclusive. I have increased opportunities exponentially, as well as widening the repertoire to include music by underrepresented composers, in particular women composers.”
Yong Lin Kuik, Biomedical Sciences (BSc)
As a JACARI volunteer language tutor, Yong went above and beyond to learn their student’s native language, significantly improving the tutees grades and most importantly helping them out of their shell.
“(After our lessons) The student, who once shied away from raising their hand in class, metamorphosed into a confident learner who is eager to participate and express their thoughts.”
Civic Superstar
Brief: Student will have been a community hero in their neighbourhood and made a positive difference to the people they serve. These could be peers, customers or service users.
Becky Stevens, Philosophy (BA)
Becky used a breadth of skills from research to website making, to create resources for local charities within their communities, supporting SEND children having their voices heard and offering help to youth victims of sexual abuse whilst they wait for therapy.
“I noticed that there was a lack of resources available to the youth clubs for engaging with SEND children. I created a variety of resources in different formats to help the play workers engage in important discussion with all the young people in attendance.”
Emma Heap, Politics with International Relations (BSc)
Leading with kindness and compassion, Emma went the extra mile in every capacity she could across her various roles at the care home she worked at, spreading positivity to both those being cared for and her colleagues.
“I speak to residents who have few visitors, which brightens their day and lifts the feeling of loneliness, whilst allowing me to hear their funny stories! Overall, my actions positively impacted upon the residents’ lives, by not only helping them navigate distressing situations, but by helping those who feel lonely to smile.”
Diverse Partnerships
Brief: Student will have built relationships in their chosen role or activity and worked in partnership to reach a common goal.
Jakub Wilczewski, Economics and Management with Study Abroad (BSc)
Jakub volunteered as a marketing consultant for a sustainability board game, working across their community with multiple stakeholders. Both them and their group were awarded for their impact.
“I focused on how the charity could widen its collaboration with other local organisations to maximise its outreach.”
Everyday Hero
Brief: Student will have demonstrated a strong work ethic, building transferable skills whilst consistently bringing energy and enthusiasm to their work.
Isabela Lopes, Economics with Study Abroad in a Modern Language (BSc)
In their role as an Optical Assistant at Vision Express, Isabela worked hard to give the best service possible from patients to the shop floor.
“Valuing the importance of every interaction within my role allowed me to attend to the individual needs of each patient, and my confidence was greatly improved through opportunities to learn.”
Jonathan Feather Ruggles, Biomedical Sciences (BSc)
Jonathan used his position as a Language Café volunteer to facilitate conversations for students’ whose first language is not English and to help them live their fullest lives.
“Everyone deserves to feel comfortable and welcome in their community, and being confident in the lingua franca is the first step.”
Innovation
Brief: Student will have developed a new idea or a new way of working in response to a real-world problem.
Sundar Shanmugasundaram Chidambaram, Robotics (MSc)
Sundar combined their experience of seeing loneliness in elderly people, when working in customer service, with their skills in robotics to develop an innovative solution to loneliness in elderly people – a robotic pet companion named ‘EcoPaw’.”
“This project represents an integration of technology, empathy, and social responsibility, aiming to make a tangible difference in the lives of elderly people. It is a testament to the potential of innovative thinking in addressing real world problems.”
Resilience
Brief: Student will have demonstrated resilience in pursuing their PLUS Award activity. They will have persevered or adapted to challenges or obstacles.
Nakul Bageja, Data Science (MSc)
Nakul demonstrated resilience throughout their diverse, and often demanding, role at M&S Bakery managing multiple responsibilities alongside his studies. Nakul’s perseverance in times of adversity really stood out.
“I managed to thrive in challenging environments, contribute to team success and utilised my resilience in navigating challenges to pursue personal and professional growth.”
Kevwe Efemini, Law (LLB)
As a legal intern at Hargreaves and Lansdown, Kevwe overcame past anxieties and a history of panic attacks by pushing themself out of their comfort zone to deliver two highly commended presentations. Beyond this, the personal development in confidence is what made Kevwe’s nomination shine.
“I practised public speaking and got myself organised, meaning I was able to speak confidently throughout the presentation and was commended on my ability to control my nerves.”
Wellbeing Champion
Brief: Student will have worked to improve the wellbeing of peers, their wider community or workplace.
Anna Reid-Smith, Medicine (MBChB)
Anna’s impact in the nursing home she works at goes beyond daily support and care, with an emphasis on critical care throughout lockdowns, supporting those at the end of their life, and being a friend to those she cares for. She demonstrated well the long-lasting impact her work has on community wellbeing.
“As a carer I address loneliness; I’ve learnt how to best give a listening ear, often people simply desire to feel heard. I worked hard to ensure I could adapt my communication style to meet individuals on their level, by mirroring their language and rephrasing; I’ve helped people to feel safer and connected.”
A huge congratulations again to all of our 2023/24 Outstanding PLUS Award Honourable Mentions! The impact your activity has had on your community and your own personal development is commendable, and something you should all be very proud of.
Currently completing your PLUS Award?
All evidence must be logged, including your reflective report approved by a member of the PLUS Award team, by noon Friday 7 June.
Need additional support? Book into a PLUS Award guidance appointment and speak to a friendly member of staff.