My TELT Experience - Archisha Manchanda

Throughout my time at Queen Mary, I’ve always tried to balance my personal growth with professional experience so I could leave university as a well-rounded person. I’d already been active in several campus societies, which I loved for meeting people and picking up basic skills, so when I applied for the Technology Enhanced Learning Team (TELT) Ambassador role in the summer of 2025, I expected another useful experience. I didn't realise just how much would come out of it or how much it would push me to build my confidence step by step.

I’ll admit I was nervous at first. Stepping into an ambassador role felt daunting, and I wasn't particularly confident about approaching strangers or explaining TELT’s educational tools. But supporting more than 15 campus events and tech campaigns quickly forced me out of my shell. I realised that getting people to use new tech isn't about giving technical lectures; it's about breaking down platforms into clear, everyday language so students actually see the value. My public speaking skills grew in leaps and bounds, from starting out at small information stands on campus to speaking to nearly 250 students in a lecture theatre during January Welcome Week 2026, and later presenting at the DES Symposium in March 2026.

Taking on digital content and social media production was another big hurdle. Being on camera turned out to be completely different from speaking to someone face-to-face, and it took plenty of retakes before I felt comfortable. Over time, I developed a much sharper eye for video framing, delivery and overall content quality. I also gained a real-world understanding of the importance of following brand guidelines, learning that anything posted on behalf of an organisation requires careful consideration and serious attention to detail.

Managing all of this alongside my degree forced me to get far more organised, and it showed me that true leadership comes down to being reliable and taking ownership of your work.

What got me through the moments when I felt stuck or overwhelmed was the team behind me. The TELT staff were always approachable and willing to answer my basic questions with patience. At the same time, working through tight event preps and awkward camera retakes alongside the other student ambassadors built a real sense of community. Those working relationships naturally turned into genuine, lasting friendships, which made the whole environment feel completely supportive.

Looking back, joining TELT was easily one of the highlights of my time at university. I started out feeling hesitant, but with the team’s support and a push outside my comfort zone, I’m leaving with genuine confidence in public speaking, content creation and event management. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who backed me along the way and gave me the space to grow into the person I am today.