Rachel Knight - Fundraising and Research Assistant
It’s been a while since we introduced you to one of our team members! Today we want to tell you a bit more about Rachel, who has been volunteering with us for nearly 18 months now. Rachel’s hard work has brought thousands of pounds our way and for that we are extremely grateful! So, read on to find out a little bit more about Rachel…
How did you first get involved in Hope English School (HES)?
I was looking for a volunteer role to do alongside my master's degree and I saw that HES had put an advert for a Fundraising and Research Assistant on the University of Sheffield's website. I thought “I think I might be able to do that,” took a chance and applied.
What specifically does your role involve?
In a nutshell, I research potential funding sources, mainly grants, for HES and then write and develop applications.
What do you like most about working for HES?
The nicest, most constant, thing is working with such a friendly bunch of people who are working towards the same goal.
It's also really rewarding to receive successful applications after putting in lots of hard work and to see and hear about the difference the grants make to our students.
What do you do with the rest of your week when you are not working for HES?
When I started working for HES, I spent all my free time finishing off my master's degree. Currently, I am working as a Teaching Assistant in a Primary School and when I'm not working there, I keep myself busy by running, going to the beach, reading a lot, cooking, and seeing friends and family.
Have you always lived in Sheffield, if not what brought you here?
I am originally from Suffolk (down South) but moved up North to York for university and then onto Sheffield to do my masters. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, I have moved back to Suffolk and, like the rest of the HES team, I am currently working remotely.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself?
My family owns 2 cats (called Merry and Pippin from Lord of the Rings), but I am actually allergic to cats!
