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Meet The Team

Natalie Burlison - Events Manager

Hey,

I'm Natalie the Events Manager here at Northumbria Uni & I'm responsible for the incredible programme that is Be Part of It.  I'm biased as I created the programme, but it really is the most fantastic way to get the most out of your time here at Northumbria.

BPOI gives you the opportunity to try loads of really fun activities at a heavily discounted price. We provide everything for you, so just turn up and give it a go.

With so many activities on the timetable, it's hard to pick a favourite but I love a good work out so you will always catch me at Riot Boxing or Hot Pod Yoga. I'm a gal who loves her grub too so I'd recommend all of our eating activities too.

 

Amber Riddle - Student Activities Administrator  

Hey, I’m Amber!

I love trying new things (especially food!) and meeting new people - that’s why I love events so much!

I have previously worked in a sixth form college and know how important it is for students to feel part of a community while studying. That’s why I love encouraging students to #bepartofit.

I moved to France when I was in school and I know how daunting it may seem to settle in a new town/country so if anyone is needing any tips, my first would be to come along to an event that interests you! We have so many to choose from!

In the meantime, I look forward to planning & attending lots of fun events with you all, please say hi!

 

 

 

 

Faine Spracklen - Activities Assistant

HI! I'm Faine and I'm in my 2nd year at Northumbria studying Law and I also work as an activities assistant for Be Part Of It!

Some of the activities I have tried are the LUSH workshops, Pasta Making and Hot Pod Yoga which is a perfect way to unwind from uni. But my favourite events so far have been Go Ape, Cupcake Decorating and Battlekarts.

I love joining events and I am always up for trying new activities and meeting new people so Be Part Of It is perfect for this! I moved to Newcastle for university so I know how hard it can be finding your feet and making friends in a new city but Be Part Of It is a great way to settle in and explore everything Newcastle has to offer! I can't wait to meet you all on our events!

 

David Thompson - Activities Assistant

Hi, I'm David and I am an activities assistant with Be Part of It, I'm a mature student in my first year of a Guidance and Counselling degree.

I have been on all manner of activities in my first year and especially enjoy craft and food activities, in particular the Big River Bakery and pottery throwing. To be honest, I will try my hand at anything, the best part of the experiences for me is meeting different types of people from all over the world with different aspirations, pursuing different subjects and end goals.

I love music and enjoy playing card and board games as well as tabletop strategy games and gaming on my laptop. Be Part of It is a brilliant way of exploring new interests, activities and places on a budget with like-minded students from all manner of courses.

 

Ben Stones - Activities Assistant

Hi I'm Ben and I'm a first year civil engineering student while working as activities assistant here with BPOI. I love outdoorsy things like hiking,  exploring Europe when possible and sports. 

My favorite activities have been go karting, go ape, kayaking and every single food event BPOI has to offer. The vast majority of these I participated in before joining the team and it really gives a great confidence boost doing anything from meeting new people at pizza making to jumping off cliffs in white water tubing!

I'm hoping that whoever you are or wherever you have come from to be at Northumbria university, you can all meet some really nice new people and do something you enjoy with BPOI as we always have something for everyone to try! 

Hoping to see you on an event soon! 

 

Arianna Johnson - Castro - Activities Assistant

Hiya! I’m Arianna (she/her), and I’m an activities assistant with Be Part of It and a PhD student looking into the online dating experiences of older transgender and gender-diverse adults. 

I love trying new things and have too many hobbies to count. My favourite things to do are karaoke, crafting, and going to the arcade! I really enjoy meeting new people and it’s always so much fun to get to know other students through our activities! Personally, I always make sure to book on to any crafty workshop and I will never pass up a discounted gel manicure, though I think you always have the most fun when you try something unexpected!

I’m excited to meet you at our next event–Come tell me your go-to karaoke song!

 

Lucy Lupton - Activities Assistant

Heyy, my name is Lucy and I’m in my second  year of Sociology at Northumbria. This year I have become one of the activities assistants for the Be Part Of It program.

My first experience of BPOI was when I attended a jesmonite workshop back in January and I loved it. I also met someone who is now one of my closet friends at uni, meeting new people is the best part of BPOI!! My favourite kind of events are the crafty ones like jewellery making or flower arranging. It’s a perfect way to switch off from uni work and I love that you leave these events with something unique. I’ve really enjoyed all the events I have done so far but just do you know, if I’m ever running the bubble football all the other activities assistants must be extremely busy- contact sport would not be my forte. I’m also on the committee for the Art Society!! 

I can’t wait to see you all on the events this year and I hope you come away with something valuable whether it’s a fun experience, a new hobby, delicious food or a new friendship ☺️!

 

Syd Gardner- Activities Assistant

Hi, I’m Syd and I am an activities assistant for the Be Part of It Program at Northumbria. I am currently studying Creative Writing at master's level and love all types of dystopian fiction.

Some of my favourite activities that I have taken part in have been Eatflix and the city trips. I have really enjoyed these trips as they have given me the chance to come out of my shell, which is why I wanted to work with Be Part Of It so I can support others with making friends and help students have the best university experience possible. 

Be Part Of It is a great way to meet new people and try new things on a student friendly budget, so why not come along to one of our events. I hope to see you on an event soon.

 

Courtney Hearn - Activities Assistant

Hi everyone! I'm Courtney and I’m a fourth-year Chemistry student at �ֲ���ý��Ƶ and one of your Be Part Of It Activities Assistants.

I've been attending Be Part Of It events since my second year, and they've honestly been one of the highlights of my university experience beyond my degree. They've helped me meet amazing people, make great memories, and try things I never thought I'd do.

I love activities that push me out of my comfort zone because they give me a real sense of achievement and confidence afterwards. Some of my favourite BPOI events have been Go Ape and whitewater tubing ,they were both great fun and left me feeling proud that I'd challenged myself to try something new.

Whether you see me on campus or an event, I want to be a friendly and approachable face that anyone can come and chat to. Whether you're attending your first event, coming on your own, or just looking to meet new people, I want to help create a welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable getting involved and having fun.

I'm excited to meet you all, help create some unforgettable experiences, and make plenty of amazing memories together!

 

Karolina Cardenas Ramirezova - Activities Assistant

Hiya, my name is Karolina, I’m from Northern Ireland, I’m in 3rd year studying economics and finance. 

I love the BPOI events as it’s the best way to meet new people and try out new activities for the best price. Some of my favs was Alton towers day out, riot boxing and Thai cooking class. Something truly for everyone. 

I love a good chat, so even if you’re on your own you’ll not feel alone with me yapping your ear off, so come along, I can promise you’ll have a great time. Can’t wait to meet you all!!