Discovering One World Together: My Journey in a Student Society 

by | Jan 22, 2025 | Geography and Global Development, Postgraduate | 0 comments

During my first week at university, I decided to join a student society. As a postgraduate and an international student, I wanted to fully immerse myself in university life while meeting new people who shared my interests. I knew joining a society would not only help me integrate into the university community but also give me the chance to explore the vibrant city of Manchester alongside like-minded peers. 

I chose to join One World Together (OWT), I heard about it during the welcome week as part of SEED’s emphasis on social responsibility. What immediately struck me about OWT was its inspiring mission: to transform how NGOs operate by building a global community and fostering a fairer funding system, where resources genuinely reach communities in need. It felt like the great space to channel my passion for change-making. 

My first experience with OWT was the World Café event, and I must say, it met my expectations—partly because of the abundant free pizza, I won’t lie! At the Café, I found myself working with a small group of students to brainstorm solutions to pressing global challenges. It was such a beautiful moment—to sit in a room surrounded by people from diverse backgrounds, all driven by our collective desire to make a difference. Together, we brainstormed potential solutions to real-world issues, and hearing the ideas that other teams came up with was genuinely inspiring. 

What made the event even more exciting was the possibility of turning those solutions into real-life projects, with One Young Society Team providing support to bring our ideas to life. This wasn’t just brainstorming; it was a chance to make a tangible impact. For me, that was one of the most meaningful experiences of my first semester. 

Beyond the World Café, OWT has become a space where I feel comfortable being myself and expressing my ideas. In our follow-up meetings, we’ve started discussing specific projects to implement throughout the academic year. There’s an openness and warmth in our gatherings that makes it easy to contribute, connect, and grow. The society has created an environment where everyone’s voice matters, and that sense of belonging is invaluable. 

One of my favourite aspects of OWT is the Book Club. It’s been an incredible way to deepen my understanding of social change and get into the culture of reading (I admit it’s harder with social media these day). One of the books was Citizens by Jon Alexander (fun 

fact: he actually attended one of the society meetings!). But it’s not all serious! We also enjoy fun, relaxing activities like hikes, which offer the chance to appreciate the outdoors, take a break from the academic hustle, and strengthen friendships with other members. 

Looking ahead, I’m genuinely excited about what the rest of the academic year holds for our society. Whether it’s implementing our projects, sharing ideas in meetings, or enjoying the simple joy of connecting over a shared passion, I know this experience will stay with me long after my time in Manchester. 

If you’re a SEED student who cares about making a positive impact, I can’t recommend One World Together enough. It’s a society where you’ll find inspiration, meaningful conversations, and a supportive community. You’ll also leave with a renewed belief in the power of collaboration to change the world—one idea at a time. 

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