Imani Patel, Student Connector
The Connector Programme sees students and staff working together as equal partners to improve the experience at Sussex. Since 2020, over 600 students have joined the Connector Programme, co-creating on various projects across the university.
The co-creation process involves staff and students working in partnership to develop innovative and diverse solutions to problems facing the wider Sussex community. The Co-Creation Team works within the Connector Programme and oversees social media engagement, community building and implementing evaluation processes for the entire programme.
Meet Imani Patel, Media and Communications student and a Connector on the Co-Creation Team. In this interview, Imani describes what the Connector community means to her and how the programme has helped her realise her career goals and rebuild her confidence.
Connector Programme: Tell us a bit more about your connector work. What does it focus on? What activities have you completed during your role?
Imani: In my role, I have been encouraging community and collaboration between Student and Staff Connectors. So far, we have launched monthly Connector Coffee Morning - a safe space where staff and student connectors can network and get to know each other over coffee and pastries. I also help organise social events, including the Connector December Social.
Another part of my Connector role is to Co-chair the Connector Committee. The Committee is made up of one Student Connector from each project. We hold meetings every two weeks to discuss the projects and initiatives they are involved with as well as get their ideas about how to improve our Connector community.
Connector Programme: What does ‘co-creation’ mean to you?
Imani: I see co-creation as an open working relationship – an open space to encourage collaboration with people and, in turn, come up with creative ideas. Before the Connector Programme, I wouldn’t collaborate with people as much. I wasn’t as confident as I am now, and through co-creation, my confidence has probably hit an all-time high.
Connector Programme: What is the co-creation relationship between students and staff like on your project?
Imani: I feel the staff-student relationship is inclusive, quite laid back, but also professional. You never feel there’s a divide between students and staff like you would perhaps feel during lectures, for example. You feel comfortable talking to staff, being open with them, and actually putting your ideas forward.
Connector Programme: Can you describe a moment where you felt a part of the Connector community?
Imani: A time when I felt at home in the Connector Community was at our second Coffee Morning. We had a big turnout, and many people messaged me to let me know they couldn’t make it. It was nice because it meant they knew who I was. At that point, I realised I had created real working relationships with people. Other Connectors were putting effort into supporting me and promoting my event, just as I would do with their initiatives. That was how I knew I found my community within the Connector Programme.
Connector Programme: And what does the Connector community mean to you?
Imani: The Connector community quite literally means a group of students and staff working together on different connector projects, but it is so much more than that. I could walk into the Co-Creation Space (workspace in the Student Centre used for project work), and I would know most people sitting there. It’s a welcoming community. Even if you don’t know them, you can approach any Connectors and learn about each other. The people I’ve met through the programme have become my friends. The Connector community means a lot to me. It makes me feel like I belong to Sussex.
Connector Programme: Are there any aspects of your own personal development that you feel like being a part of the connector programme has had an impact on – directly or otherwise?
Imani: The programme has helped me to be more open about the kind of person I am. I used to feel anxious about putting myself out there because I wasn’t used to being outside my comfort zone. The Connector Programme is a safe environment where I ‘fit in’ just by being myself. I have also matured a lot as being a part of the programme forced me to structure my life and gave it more purpose outside of my academic work.
Connector Programme: And why was developing these skills/aspects important to you?
Imani: I joined the programme to improve my communication skills and creativity. I study Media and Communications, I so want to be able to communicate effectively. Also, I wanted to get experience in event organisation and graphic design. Working as a Connector has made me realise that I want my future career to focus on community building or communications. My role makes me feel more prepared to tackle my career ambitions head-on.
Connector Programme: Any advice you would give to students considering applying to the programme?
Imani: Before you apply, think about what type of project you want to get involved with – don’t just view it as a job, but see it as an opportunity to support your long-term career plan. I got rejected the first time I applied because I was applying to any project. Then, when I finally found the Co-Creation Team role, it sounded like me. I applied and got to the selection event, which I approached fully prepared and confident.
Confidence is really important. If you get rejected the first time, apply again! Rejection will always be there; you can’t dwell on it. No matter how many times you get knocked down, the more times you get back up, the more likely you will succeed.
If you have a question about the Connector Programme or would like to get involved, email the team at connectorprogramme@sussex.ac.uk
Learn more via our Connector Programme website or via the Connectors on Student Hub
Follow us on Instagram @connectorprogramme
Author: Sandra Ogholaja-Ogboru, Graduate Connector