“One opportunity always leads to another”: Diagnostic Imaging student throws herself into degree

A mature student has been making the most of her return to university and is reaping the rewards after a three-day trip to Leeds.

First year BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Imaging student Rebecca Taylor got the chance to meet professionals from around the UK when she attended the Society of Radiographers’ Annual Delegates Conference (ADC) in April.

The annual event decides the strategic direction and policies of the Society and profession for the year to come through a range of motions that are proposed and agreed on. Rebecca represented both GCU and Scotland alongside lecturer, Sharon Stewart.

We spoke with Rebecca to find out more about her experience and why she’d encourage other students to take on any opportunities that come their way.

Tell me a bit about your background and why you wanted to do something extra alongside your studies?

“I originally studied animal biology at Stirling University, but I wasn’t really involved in anything out with my course. When I started at GCU, I decided I was going to make the most of it and joined the Society of Radiographers Student Rep Forum. It turns out there’s not a lot of students from Scotland involved; it’s just myself and another first year student, Karen.

“It's given me the opportunity to see how experienced radiographers and the Society of Radiographers actually works. Before the conference, I really had no idea about it but it’s opened my eyes to the different careers I can get from this course.”

In terms of the Student Rep Forum, what made you want to get involved?

“As a mature student, I feel it gives me the best opportunity to gain new experiences. I’ve got the confidence behind me from my last degree to do the coursework, but I also want something in addition to that. It’s great for my CV - which was part of my thinking at the time - but I didn’t realise how motivated it would make me to continue the course. During covid, I actually knew the Student Rep Forum members better than my own cohort, which shows just how important it was for me.”

So, how did your trip to Leeds come about and what was involved?

“You have to sign up to the Society of Radiographers to study diagnostic imaging. Every student got an email asking if they wanted to attend and I just decided to go for it.

“We went on the Sunday and came back on the Tuesday. The Sunday was just about getting settled in and meeting everyone, with Monday being the main day. It was mainly English, Northern Irish and Welsh people in attendance, so I felt quite proud to be one of the few representing Scotland.

“The idea behind it was basically to decide the policies and strategic direction of the organisation; we had to vote yes or no on issues ranging from pay through to equality and diversity.

“There were about 150 to 250 people there and I had to go up and second a motion; it was quite nerve-racking but a great opportunity for me to speak in front of so many people.

“In all honesty, I went there not really knowing what to expect. It sounds cheesy, but it was quite magical to see how many different opportunities I could get from doing radiography. The new president of the Society is actually from Scotland, as is the past president, so that’s definitely inspired me.”

Particular highlight of the conference?

“There was a bit at the end, while we were voting, where the UK Council Members came up, including one of our lecturers, Sharon Stewart. These were really distinguished people within the profession and it really hammered home to me how inspiring the whole experience had been – it’s given me an idea of what my future could hold.”

How else has this experience benefitted you?

“From doing this, I got in contact with the president and she invited me to the Society of Radiographers Centenary Awards in London, where I got the chance to celebrate 100 years of the profession. I was in a room full of MBEs, doctors and all these other cool people.

"I think some students try and settle in during first year, but it’s probably best to just get stuck in - one opportunity always leads to another.”

By Ross Clark
Got an SHLS or GSBS story? Email me at Ross.Clark@gcu.ac.uk or message me on Twitter