Distance Learning Officer

Natalie Hayward

Name, pronouns, officer role:  Natalie Hayward, She/Her, Distance Learning Officer

 

Course: Ancient History and Classical Archaeology MA
 

Hometown: Chesterfield, Derbyshire, UK

How do you think your best friends describe you? Rather than speculating, I asked them - 

“Loyal and extremely hardworking, for sure”

“Clever, witty, with a splash of satanic”

“Loyal, thoughtful, articulated, excellent attention to detail and a fantastic chilli maker-er!” (Unfortunately making chilli doesn’t come under my role responsibilities)

“Thoughtful, trustworthy and incredibly supportive”

What inspired you to become a PTO? As I got further into my undergraduate degree, I saw a lot of things that could be changed, adapted or improved for distance learners – becoming a PTO seemed like a good way to make those changes. I also still often feel isolated as a distance student and becoming a PTO is an opportunity to try and reduce that amongst my fellow distance learners.
 

What can you offer students in your role? I have almost two years of experience of working at the Students’ Union, so I know how most of the systems work and how they can help students. I’ve been where most distance students are - disconnected and feeling like I don’t belong - and genuinely want to combat that. I also pride myself on being open to new ideas and viewpoints, so anyone can suggest changes or adaptions and I’m willing to listen; several of my biggest projects have begun from student suggestions.
 

What is the most important change you want to make this year? I have two priorities for the year. The first is to move my scholarships proposal along and begin to discuss how things can change – this has the potential to impact every student at Leicester, at no additional cost to the University and will be a primary focus. The second is to expand Distance Learners’ Day after its successful launch in April 2025 – this year it will grow to include more students and additional staff.

 

Hobbies and interests: I love to read, mostly mythological retellings or thrillers, although always open to suggestions. I’m currently learning Ancient Greek and outside of coursework that takes up a lot of my brain. 

I’ve also become somewhat renowned for my background in virtual meetings, as my living room has shelves of Lego, figures, and models from a variety of games.

On the odd occasion that I venture away from my desk I like exploring historical places and occasionally have a go at photography.

Contact: su-dlofficer@le.ac.uk