[PORTRAIT] 3 questions for the Student Life Ambassadors of the Université de Lyon

Why did you decide to become a student life ambassador for the Université de Lyon?

Gwendal, a Biosciences student at the Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1:

I decided to become a Student Life Ambassador because I’m passionate about representing students and reaching out to them to help them improve their living conditions and make the most of their time at university.

Marin, a student at the UCLy

For me, it is mainly because of what I experienced during the Covid pandemic and what I see around me. I want to use my energy to help my fellow students. I’m aware that I’m one of the lucky ones and fortunate enough to be in a position to improve the daily lives of students, which is why becoming a Student Life Ambassador for the Université de Lyon was an obvious choice for me. Being a Student Life Ambassador allows us to act as a link between reality and solutions, and I think that this is something that students really need.

Thierry, Computer Science student at the Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1:

One of the main things that drew me to being a Student Life Ambassador was the direct, hands-on contact with students. Being able to introduce them to services and resources that can help make their lives easier and support them throughout their studies, that’s what a Student Life Ambassador is all about.

What messages do you want to get across when you speak to students?

Gwendal:

I want students to understand that they’re not alone and that there are people and organizations out there that can help them and try to make things easier for them so that they can succeed in their studies.

Marin:

To let them know that their needs are taken into consideration and that I’m here to inform them of the help and tips that are available to them in their daily lives. And all of this with kindness and attentiveness, because we’re the same age, and it’s also an opportunity for them to ask questions and be listened to by someone who has a smile on their face and can point out what’s not quite right and what can be changed.

Thierry:

When we go out to meet students, we discuss various topics and different messages. The common thread that runs through all of our activities is a kind and caring attitude that allows us to establish a genuine dialogue. We want everyone we meet to walk away feeling well informed and with a big smile on their face!

After a few weeks of speaking with students on campus or at events, how do you think your role as ambassador facilitates the relay of information and feedback on students’ needs?

Gwendal:

I think it makes it easier to pass on information and get feedback on their needs, because I’m a student too. This relationship encourages student-to-student interaction and listening. It makes us more united, and I think that helps them a lot.

Marin:

There is an instant connection with the students we meet, they listen to us and are interested in what we have to say, because we’re just like them. There’s an immediate sense of trust and understanding in our interactions, which removes any barriers and makes it much easier to inform them of the help and support available.

Thierry:

The fact that we are also students gives us a huge advantage! Firstly, peer-to-peer communication means that students are much more involved in our activities. And the relaxed atmosphere we create makes it easy to identify needs and paint a picture of students that is far from common stereotypes people may have.