Seven questions with Mohammad El-Gendi
23 April 2018
This week, we speak to Mohammad El-Gendi, a third year Laws student from Egypt who is also an Annual Student Experience Review (ASER) facilitator.
1. Why are you interested in Law and what do you plan to do in the future?
I wasn't really sure what to study at university. Law sounded somewhat appealing and I decided to just give it a shot. I'm really happy I made that call to apply for Law - turns out I do enjoy the subject and I enjoy commercial law for its dynamic and challenging nature.
2. What is the most interesting thing you've done, seen or got involved with while at UCL?
I've really enjoyed, and continue to enjoy, my role as an ASER Facilitator. This role is part of the UCL ChangeMakers project aimed at helping to improve student experiences and education. I work with departments to ensure a dialogue between staff, students and representatives to try and identify and remedy issues students feel are affecting their learning.
Last year, I worked with the Philosophy department and have just been working on a case study about it. This was a really great experience and I enjoyed working with the staff and representatives to try and bring effective change. The most interesting part about the whole thing was seeing UCL life from another student's perspective. As a Laws student, I'm pretty much surrounded by the same people and same approaches to education. We don't have an opportunity to do any outside modules until the third year so it was pretty much law all the way. However, working in the Philosophy department really was like entering a new jurisdiction and seeing the similarities and differences in the way staff and students alike approach key educational needs. It's really informed what I can do to improve the student experience and education in my own department more than anything.
It also showed me how vital it is that we, as students, give feedback as it really does inform change.
Like all good things, there's also a challenging aspect. Closely connected to this idea of feeling like I've entered another jurisdiction, it did sometimes feel slightly overwhelming. It was at times hard to get to grips with everything and understand a different system of doing things in a short space of time. Thankfully the staff and representatives were really helpful in getting me up to scratch with everything and answering any questions I had.
I'd really recommend others to get involved with this. There's a lot of information on the UCL ChangeMakers website where you can find out more about the role and other things they do. The role is genuinely by no means time consuming or difficult; all it requires is some dedication and commitment to the role and improving education at UCL.
3. Have you discovered any 'hidden gems' during your time at UCL?
I don't know if 'Roti King' really counts as a hidden gem - I'm sure most UCL students have eaten at this quaint, little restaurant. If not, you have to go! It's a fantastic Singaporean/Malaysian place next to Euston.
4. Give us your top three things to do/see/go to in London
1. Lion King at The Lyceum: I'm not into musicals but I took a group of international students to this show as part of a summer job and enjoyed every bit of this nostalgic production.
2. Camden Market - where the things you didn't know you needed exist.
3. Kew Gardens - probably check the weather first, though - I learnt this the hard way.
5. If you were Provost for the day, what one thing would you do?
Day off. Simple. You can never have too many days off!
6. Who inspires you and why?
Whenever I need inspiration, I look to my friends. They push me to be my best and I can always count on them. I am sometimes awestricken by the achievements of my friends and their drive. Whilst I never try to be like anyone else, I certainly draw my strength from my friends.
7. What would it surprise people to know about you?
I have experienced three earthquakes in my life. The most recent was the earthquake in Italy - this was the one back in 2016 with a magnitude of 6.2, with 7 being the highest. The other two were back home in Egypt a few years ago.