Postgraduate student Jessica Halsne has received Robert Gordon University’s (RGU) Student Ambassador of the Year Award for her hard work and dedication over the last year.
Jessica (24), who is in the final stages of completing a Physiotherapy Masters at RGU, accepted the award from the university’s International Team after taking up a student ambassador role in 2014.
Originally from the US state of South Dakota, Jessica has worked with a team of Student Ambassadors to help other students settle in to life in Aberdeen and their studies at RGU.
She said: “I’m delighted to have received the Student Ambassador of the Year Award and it is great to be recognised by the university in this way.
“It is a very enjoyable role and it’s been great to work with and meet so many students and offer my perspective on making the move from the US to Scotland and how I have found life in Aberdeen.
“I’ve been abroad with another university so I know what it’s like when you’re new to a country and trying to get started. Knowing that there are people who are happy to help you can make a big difference.”
RGU’s student ambassadors work closely with the university’s International Team who look to recruit new students to the team each year.
Jessica, who will graduate in December, said: “I’d definitely recommend being a student ambassador, especially if you’ve overcome a challenging time adapting to university life yourself. The student ambassadors have all been through the same thing and are well placed to offer advice which can be very helpful.
“Even just basic pointers and recommendations on how to set yourself up with a new phone or bank account can be helpful if you’re new to Aberdeen or Scotland.”
Adam Baxter, RGU’s international regional manager for the UK, Europe and North America, has worked with Jessica and the other student ambassadors over the last year and praised her hard work to help other students at the university.
He said: “As an international student at RGU, Jess understands the importance prospective students place on having clear, accessible information from a friendly source. Her enthusiasm and dedication to the role is commendable, and I'd like to place on record my thanks for her work over the past year.”