Throwing herself into university life wasn't just a way of filling spare time for MSci Archaeology graduate Olivia Keegan Carr. The many volunteering and students' union activities she took part in have had a big effect on her personal development.
Tell us about your involvement in university life
Throughout my studies I was involved in multiple society committees, including the LGBTQ+ Society, SuSingers, Archaeology Society and Tea Society. I was also a member of other societies.
I also worked at open day and visit day events, and volunteered at outreach days.
One experience that stood out for me was organising an outreach event for Hands-On Humanities [a free family activities day] while I was president of the Archaeology Society. The Archaeology Society decided to run a cave art stall, where children could create their own art with ochre, while learning about the Palaeolithic and cave art.
How have you benefited from these activities?
They helped me further my public speaking skills and increased my confidence more than I ever imagined before arriving at Southampton. This is, in part, due to the welcoming archaeology department and the wider university community helping me thrive.
I've also surprised myself at how confident I've become in putting myself forward for various public-facing events, including an Instagram takeover for Archaeology last year. I hope in future to pursue a PhD and work in a public-facing role in either heritage or academia.
