Committee Q&A: Megan Pagett

What committee are you part of and what roles have you held?

I’ve been a member of Showdance for 3 years and have been on the committee for the last two years, holding the position of Treasurer last year (2019-2020) and then President this year.  

What made you want to run for a committee role?

The main reason I ran for committee was that I wanted to give something back to a club that has given me so much. During my first year, I was one of the quieter members and joining committee really enabled my confidence to flourish, and the through the support of my fellow members I was encouraged to run for Treasurer. Although that year was cut short, I thoroughly enjoyed being Treasurer and learnt so much from the role, so I decided I wanted a new challenge and ran for President.  

What has been the most enjoyable part of being on committee?

Seeing your club and its members succeed makes you feel so much pride. Last year some of the moments that stick out are Freshers Fair 2019, ArtsFest2019, choreographing routines for Varsity 2020. This year I’ve really enjoyed thinking of new ways to keep our members engaged whilst everything has been virtual - our Virtual Reunion Weekend was a huge success. We have held online workshops with industry professionals, and our weekly socials have continued to be loved by many. But most of all being a committee member has meant I’ve been able to make so many wonderful friends and amazing memories. Being a member and on committee for Showdance is an experience that has made my time at university so special. 

Can you tell us about a time where your role was challenging?

Generally, everything has been challenging this year because we’ve all been leading clubs and societies through unprecedented circumstances. Nobody has a handbook for how to run a club through COVID, but we’ve all achieved so much. 

Personally, the main thing that springs to mind is managing university work alongside being able to do what is best for your club. From this, I have really learnt to prioritise what needs to be done for the club whilst always putting my degree first and that it isn’t seen as a weakness to ask your other committee members for help because you are all a team working to achieve the same goals.  

Do you feel that being on a committee has been beneficial in terms of preparing you for the future?

I definitely believe that being on a committee has prepared me for my future. Being Treasurer and President have taught me so many essential skills – time management, communication, organisation, adaptability, and problem-solving. Also being a committee member has really allowed my confidence to grow and has given me important leadership experiences. 

What piece of advice would you give to an incoming committee member?

Embrace it. Don’t worry if things don’t necessarily go the way you wanted them to go; everything happens for a reason and if something doesn’t go particularly well, it gives you the opportunity to rethink what has happened and look for better ways to do something.  

Also, make sure if you have a question, ask it. Your past committees will always be there for you to drop them a message if you have questions, or need some advice on things, because they will always want the club to go on and achieve amazing things.  

If anybody has any questions relating to Treasurer, President, or general committee questions, please don’t hesitate to drop me a message and I’ll do my best to help. I’ve loved being a committee member for Showdance and I wish all clubs and societies the best of luck for next year.