It may be easy to underestimate just how important and rewarding a role the Haven Co-ordinator is. As the first point of contact for students and staff in the Haven, I was usually the first and last person visitors would see. I would be lying if I said that sometimes I didn't feel responsible for how students and staff perceive the Haven from the very beginning, but that’s one of the best bits – welcoming people with a genuine smile and making the Haven experience memorable!
Working in the Haven means seeing people from different faiths, cultures, and backgrounds meet and learn from each other in a vibrant, welcoming, and safe place for all. Through daily interactions and our regular events, such as Meet and Mingle, Movie Monday, De-Stress Day and more, I have been lucky enough to witness students and staff share well-being tips, recommendations for books, talks, exercise classes, YouTube tutorials, local places to eat, the best Swansea walks, skincare hacks, items to add to my ‘Things to do before I’m 30’ list – the list goes on.
There is, of course, the other side of the job, which entails helping people in more trying times of need. However, since life is short, I always like to reflect on the positive. I guess I am trying to say that being the Haven Co-ordinator at times feels like a dream job. Sometimes, nothing beats meeting old and new people and learning about their work, studies, interests, and struggles – it is surprising how helping others will make you live a better life. Plus, working in the Haven means I’ve gained a decent memory for faces and names, which is a great attribute, since people tend to respond well to receptionists who remember them as soon as they walk through the door!
There is something to be said about the importance of establishing meaningful relationships not only in customer-facing roles, but in life in general. I think fondly about the time a student visited the Haven after her much-anticipated trip to Edinburgh. She said she had bought me a gift and pulled out this little mug with the letter ‘R’ on it. I was touched by the kind gesture from somebody whom I had not known very long but whom I had struck a bond with so quickly. Another time, a student that regularly attends events in the Haven, handed me a photograph of a snowy Poland. When handing the photo back, she said to me, “it is yours to keep”.
Students have shared birthday cake and talked about relationships and grief. Staff members have talked about why they love their job and why certain places in the UK are special to them. Over the last few months, I have met people from India, Brazil, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Sudan, and many more places. I have learnt a lot about the Muslim faith and had thought-provoking conversations about how people activate their tunnel vision during Ramadan. Students have shared the things they do to concentrate on their goals, no matter what, and I have been fortunate to see staff relax during our coffee mornings, before leaving feeling refreshed and ready for the day. These interactions stay with me, because, after all, life is all about the small moments.
So, if you are still wondering what kind of place the Haven is, it is a faith centre and so much more. Students, staff, and members of the local Muslim community visit the space to practice their faith – congregational prayer on Friday afternoons is particularly lovely! Although the quiet room has slowly become my favourite room in the building, with its soothing décor… pink Himalayan salt fairy lights, candles, beanbags, and a diffuser which makes the room smell divine. People often use the quiet room for individual or group prayer, or to meditate (I recommend joining one of Mandy’s meditation sessions!). The quiet room is the perfect place to relax and enjoy some well-earned “me-time” – whether that is by sitting with a good old-fashioned book, having some quiet time, or listening to music… whatever it is that may help you feel calm in our comfortable space on Bay campus.
Welcoming people into the Haven over the last couple of months has been a joy and very rewarding. By talking to students and staff from different faiths, cultures, and background, I have grown as a person and become more open-minded. There is nothing better than working with others to help to create opportunities for different groups of people. Working in the Haven means you can establish networks and build new, fulfilling relationships with people from all walks of life. You can lift people up when they feel down and be happy for their happiness. What could be better than that?
Rebecca was the Haven Co-ordinator within the Faith and Community team at CampusLife at Swansea University. She now works as the Marketing and Business Development Co-ordinator within Estates and Facilities Management. She likes to maintain a healthy work/life balance and has taken a particular interest in well-being and personal and professional development. Rebecca has a passion for helping people feel good about themselves and become the best version of themselves possible, and in her spare time enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading fiction, long walks (especially along the beach!), and cycling.