"What’s the best thing about LJMU? I always give the same answer: everything!" Ambassador Razvan talks about his policing course and experiences that’ll stay with him for life
Having studied physiotherapy at home in Romania, Razvan made the move to England five years ago. LJMU’s BA (Hons) Professional Policing course brought him from London to Liverpool, and he’s well and truly making the most of every opportunity. We spoke to him to find out more…
Name: Razvan
Country: Romania
University: LJMU
Course: BA (Hons) Professional Policing
Fun fact: Razvan was awarded Student Ambassador of the year!
Making the most of amazing opportunities…
“When I was younger, I didn’t have much interest in learning and I went to a college that didn’t have the best reputation. In my final year, something switched and I changed my mind. I chose to put the work in and managed to get grades that earned me a scholarship for LJMU. Coming to LJMU and doing a course I’m so passionate about has made a massive difference! I’m doing well with my grades and was selected to study cyber crime in Oslo as part of my course. It’s a big achievement to be chosen to represent the University, especially given my background.
I often get asked what’s the best thing about LJMU, and I always give the same answer: everything! The lecturers are so supportive, it’s like they’re my academic parents! There’s never been a question they don’t know the answer to and even if I ask a small question, they’ll get back to me with a world of information, which has really motivated me. There’s always people to guide you: I’ve had support with my policing application, CV, LinkedIn account and more. Whether it’s financial worries, mental health struggles, or even a housing emergency, there’ll be somebody to help you through.
Serving the LJMU community on and off campus…
“I’m a student ambassador, which means I do loads across the Uni. I’m currently working with the international admissions team answering queries from international students about the university or their applications. I’m also working with the outreach team, so I go to colleges and speak about my experience of higher education in front of hundreds of people! This is big for me as I used to be really shy, and now here I am speaking to big audiences in my second language!
My other roles at the Uni include being a course representative, which is like a mediator between the academics and my peers, and a peer mentor. I help a group of first-year students to settle in by providing help and guidance, meeting as and when they want to. I communicate with them regularly so that they know I’m there, but for them it’s really flexible. A few weeks ago I met with somebody to support them with an application to become a special constable. Others are shy about meeting in person, so we speak online. It’s all about meeting people where they’re at.
I have two voluntary roles too: one with Claire House (a children’s hospice) where I look after children once a month, and one as a special constable for Merseyside police. This can range from 16-120 hours per month, depending on my availability. It’s very challenging but rewarding, and it helps me to combine my studies with what I’m doing on the beat. All of this gives me plenty of examples and experience to use when I apply for jobs!”
Taking skills from studies onto the streets…
“I actually have a story that really marked me: I did a shift in custody and there was a 25-year-old guy just like me in there. It suddenly hit me that, despite our similarities, there was a stark difference between our positions. It made me realise how the decisions we make can put us in completely different situations in life. I felt so lucky to be where I am and it’ll stay with me forever.
The course gives a real insight into the profession - I used to think police just arrested people! Now I understand the criminal justice system and even nuances based on location, such as Liverpool or London. I’ve learned a lot about criminal law, legislation, victims… Loads of knowledge that’ll be very useful.
I’m able to use learning not just in my special constable role, but in my role with the Uni too. I’ve become more emotionally intelligent and learned the importance of managing unconscious bias so that it doesn’t affect decisions. I have great time management skills from balancing a demanding course with my other commitments, I’ve grown in confidence and improved my communication, especially as English isn’t my first language.”
Helping incoming students find lifelong connections…
“I became a CampusConnect ambassador at the end of July - I think it’s an amazing tool to meet people and find out about the Uni! I’m combining my experience as a course rep, peer mentor, student ambassador and working with international admissions. I get a lot of 1:1 questions because my profile highlights my work with the international team, but I also get messages from home students across the country. It’s a great app - you speak with hundreds of people and it’s really engaging. Sometimes I’ll log on to find 20-30 private messages! I really enjoy it and can use my own experience to answer most questions, or signpost for others.
I think it’s important to get to know your peers before you join as, whether you’re coming from abroad or even a different city, you might not know anybody or anything, which can feel challenging. A platform like this gives you the opportunity to make connections and friends with people who are in the same situation as you. It’s very good for their wellbeing too as they know there are so many people on the platform to listen to them - there’ll always be at least one person who they identify with. I find it interesting to see people asking who else studies their course, it’s like an instant connection and they’ll probably make lifelong friendships.”
Razvan is enjoying his time at LJMU so much that he’s finding every opportunity to stay. He told us: “I almost don’t want to graduate! I’ve applied for an MA here and I want to do it part time so I can be a student for longer. I’m not sure what I’ll do after that, I’ll have to volunteer for them!”