Ruby-Maya Campbell

• During my time here as a gymnastics coach, I created and implemented lesson plans based on child-led interests to keep gymnasts of all ages engaged and challenged which allows them to progress quickly. I have had to work with limited timeframes and equipment/space making me adept with working to deadlines and thinking on my feet. In order to be able to coach under British Gymnastics guidelines, I undertook a 4-month coaching course where I learned different methods of communication to get clear messages across to children as young as 3, all the way to 15, as well as their parents/carers. This has given me exceptional interpersonal skills, and has allowed me to be approachable yet professional. The course also taught me how to respond appropriately under pressure, and to solve problems in a quick and efficient manner. For example, remaining calm during emergencies and children's injuries if they were to occur.

This festive temporary role involved regularly replenishing fresh food stock and removing out of date items to prevent shortages, and meant I became accustomed to working unsocial hours. I was working at the busiest time of year in retail, where it was important to help maximise sales by rotating and advertising stock on plinths and displays. I had many tasks to complete in a short space of time such as dressing aisles and ensuring the store was clean before opening hours. This allowed me to develop my organisational skills to ensure the process of stock replenishment ran smoothly. It was essential to work efficiently to ensure fresh produce was not left out of the chiller in excess of 30 minutes which was following standard operating procedures. This helped me learn to work quickly as part of a small team under time pressure, and learn the importance of food safety.

• This coaching role required more administrative duties, for example editing registers and gymnasts’ personal information on the club's records. I also had to assess gymnast's progress and log achievements on spreadsheets, so relevant certificates and awards could be issued. I gained leadership experience offering mentoring to volunteer coaches, giving them support and advice.