Monday 02-03-2020 - 08:00

Not all heroes wear capes — some of them are at the front of your lecture theatre or sitting quietly on campus just biding their time, waiting for the bat signal. Here are some real-life things students have told us that staff have done for them.

Being there when mental health was at an all-time low

“I had a particularity challenging time whilst at and adjusting to university. My mental health has been somewhat problematic and I felt overwhelmed. At times when things became particularly skewed, this person was a warm and friendly voice when I needed one. I have a tendency for self-destructive behaviour and knowing there was someone who cared about your wellbeing was an odd concept for me to grasp personally, but nonetheless was invaluable. I remember a time when she ill and not in work, and she still took the time out to call me as I was having a tough time.”

Despite being on different continents, still supporting someone 

“During my PhD, I have spent a year and a half in Malaysian Borneo, somewhere that my supervisor had been for his own research. He introduced me to the people and the places of this unknown new environment, and even afterwards, while we were thousands of miles apart, was supportive, replied quickly and very helpful. He has encouraged me whilst writing my papers and was always constructive (as well as patient) throughout the process. He was always happy when I popped into his office and never frowned, even if he was very busy. I feel my PhD experience would have been way less enjoyable with another supervisor.”

This “total legend” who gave Insta-worthy feedback

“Being close friends with a few course mates who also had this guy as a tutor, we all agreed how helpful he was and don't know how we would have got by without him. Some of my mates didn’t have him as a tutor, but arranged a meeting with him anyway and literally both of them left the office like "well that was amazing, that man is a legend." If I ever felt lost or in need of some sound advice, I would have a meeting with him and always leave inspired and with a clear plan of what needed to be done. We had feedback for a report and I can genuinely say I had never received a paragraph so uplifting and motivating. I took a picture of the slip and sent it to everyone important to me, I was that overjoyed. In first year, we all thought he was the harsh strict teacher that nobody wanted as he was always straight talking and liked to talk a lot...however, in second year it started to become apparent that he clearly just wanted the best for all of us.”

When everything that could go wrong went wrong, someone was there to help piece it back together

“When I moved to Manchester and started my degree, I was involved in three incidents involving the police, a car crash, an emergency hospital trip, got evicted from my flat, was mugged and then discovered my mum had breast cancer. 

My tutor knew about all of these and throughout each individual episode, she contacted me daily to ensure I was safe, coping and supported. I never expected that a personal tutor would support me not only in my studies and personal development, but in my personal life too. I am utterly grateful for her support through some very dark times and don't know how I would have coped without her suggestions and advice. She also saw a light in me that I wasn't aware existed and stoked the fire I have for my passion, encouraging me to fully immerse myself in my university career. I made fantastic connections through networking events she led, developed personal skills and gained valuable employability skills. She was and is a truly inspirational person on so many levels.”

Just like family, listening and offering advice — the same as a nap fixes most problems

“My department is a close-knit community that provides constant support and has warmly welcomed me in since day one! They are more of a family in that they always provide a reassurance, a listening ear and sometimes a shoulder to cry on. The very nature of the subject is to talk, which is why they are constantly available for a little chat or catch up which can give you a whole new perspective or motivation in those moments of high stress or panic. With typical Spanish flair, they are always there to remind you that there is nothing that a little siesta can't fix.” 

 

The lecturer who inspired a student to make society a better place

“He was a huge inspiration for not only my career goals but in how I want to utilise my education to the best of my ability and never let my voice go unheard in and out of university. He constantly pushed us to want more and to fight for what we believe in, and always made us aware that we are the future and we need to recognise this in order to make society a better place for others and ourselves. He was and is a fantastic lecturer, mentor and activist.”

Helping to write the perfect CV, no matter how long it takes

She went above and beyond for every one of her students to help secure placements and give career guidance. She knew each of her students by name and knew their career ambitions and the latest jobs they had applied for. She was always positive, conscientious, a great motivator and I frequently exchanged emails with her late in the evenings, and at weekends asking for CV help; she always responded within a matter of minutes. Once, I was invited to a last minute Assessment Centre over the Christmas break and I was actually not sure whether I wanted to do a placement because my financial situation had changed. I sent an email to her praying that she might check them even though it was the Christmas holidays, and within minutes my phone rang — it was her. She talked with me for half an hour about my situation, my thoughts and what was right for me. I felt so much calmer afterwards and everything seemed so much clearer. I decided to go to the Assessment Centre and ended up getting my dream placement! It was all thanks to the one-on-one help I got from her, and the seven drafts of my CV that she gave feedback on. 

Know someone like this?

Nominate them for a Teaching Award – there’s ten categories to choose from, covering everything from innovative ways of teaching to helpful feedback.

 

Nominate them now