By Clarissa Wemple, Second Year Psychology Undergraduate
To see part two, take a look here.
Ever wondered who the people sitting in the Welfare Room everyday were, or who organises the bouncy castles in college, and Bailey Ball recover day?
We spoke to some of the people who make all this happen to help you get to know them a little better!
Marie Polaskova, Third year, Psychology
What is one interesting thing about you?
I really like watermelon. I could eat watermelon for breakfast, lunch, and dinner I think… but without seeds cause then you can just eat the whole thing. And also that I’m from Prague, the Czech Republic.
What is your role on the welfare team?
I’m the Welfare Officer.
Why did you decide to join Welfare?
I really liked that we have a student support in college because back in my country there is not much support at Uni and I just felt that this was such a valuable part of college life that I wanted to be involved in. I also really care about welfare for the people so I wanted to take the responsibility for it and support it as much as I can
What is your favourite part about being in welfare?
The people. That people volunteer to do this because they care about others. And also just the fact that we have the student support. That there is someone you can talk to every day if you feel like it.
What is your favourite part about being in John’s?
Oh!!! The people!!!! And the staff as well. The people who work here
What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone you just met?
Don’t compare yourself to others because it’s for nothing and it will just get you down. You’re good the way you are so try to be a good person and that’s what you can do. It’s not about winning all the games and the competitions and being the most successful person in the world, it’s about sticking to the values you have. So never compare yourself to others and never try to be as others, just try to be the best person – yourself.
When are your welfare shifts and/or how can people find you?
My shifts are on Tuesday nights from 7-8pm, and you can always message me on Facebook. I am also staying in college so I’m around all the time.
Gabriel Callaghan, Third year, Physics
What is one interesting thing about you?
I can speak Gaelic and English.
What is your role on the welfare team?
I’m on the student support team and am also the Disability Officer
Why did you decide to join Welfare?
I have a lot of experience with the disability side of things so I thought it would be good to develop by doing nightline training etc.
What is your favourite part about being in welfare?
When someone comes in to the room overwhelmed and you manage to talk through things with them and help them feel comfortable after leaving the room. It is quite rewarding.
What is your favourite part about being in John’s?
You don’t get any trouble with your friends.
What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone you just met?
If it’s a fresher, don’t be worried if your marks seem a bit lower than what you were getting at school. 60% here is sort of the average mark and it is quite a hard place to study. So, don’t be worried about that.
When are your welfare shifts and/or how can people find you?
Can find me either in physics lab or in the Billy B, but Jordane and I have a drop in shift between 2-3pm on Wednesday afternoons in the welfare room.
Don’t compare yourself to others because it’s for nothing and it will just get you down… It’s not about winning all the games and the competitions and being the most successful person in the world, it’s about sticking to the values you have.
Marie
Dominic Harley, Second year, Mathematics
What is one interesting thing about you?
I’m quite well known for my Hawaiian shirts that I wear often, and I row.
What is your role on the welfare team?
I’m on the welfare events team and I also do some of the social media stuff
Why did you decide to join Welfare?
I believe that mental health is quite an important thing for University students, and the welfare team is really good in John’s. There are signposts for people from anything small to big. Also, It’s important that I do my bit and that is why I signed up.
What is your favourite part about being in welfare?
Free food on movie nights, and the snacks. It’s good for you – cheers you up with the benefit of cake at the end of the day.
What is your favourite part about being in John’s?
I really like the bar. I think it’s really nice that whenever you go there you’ll see someone you know. Maybe they’re in first year, in your year, or they’re a post-grad, but you’ll see someone that you know and you can have a chat with them. Plus, it’s not always the same people there so you get to know everyone when you go and its really fun, everyone’s really friendly. Also, the bar never gets too rowdy.
What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone you just met?
Just relax! You’re doing fine. That’s basically my catchphrase at the minute. No matter what’s going on, just relax. You might feel that you’re doing terrible or you’re doing badly but in the grand scheme of things you’re never the worst at anything
When are your welfare shifts and/or how can people find you?
I’ll be at all the welfare events, and you can add me on Facebook if you want to say hi. You can also find me in the bar or just around in John’s. I row as well so if you’re part of the rowing team, I’ll be down at the boat club.
Sophie Perkins, Third year, Anthropology
What is one interesting thing about you?
I have a twin!
What is your role on the welfare team?
Welfare-welfare?! Haha, I’m on the student support team.
Why did you decide to join Welfare?
It gave me something else to do to be part of college. Also, I find it very interesting and I really enjoy it.
What is your favourite part about being in welfare?
The other welfare people are so lovely and I like the involvement in college.
What is your favourite part about being in John’s?
I like that its quite a small community so most people know everyone. It’s friendly.
What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone you just met?
Don’t over-worry about things because then you suffer twice.
When are your welfare shifts and/or how can people find you?
My shift is Saturday 7-8pm, and you can find me through Facebook – just drop me a message!
Make sure to follow the John’s Welfare team on Facebook and Instagram! You can also find the Welfare Drop-in timings here:
Keep an eye out for part two where we speak to more of the welfare team – coming soon!
John's Chronicle 
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