Say hello to your GCU Student Life team - Ross Clark
You’ve seen the social media posts and read the articles, but now it’s your chance to meet the team behind GCU Student Life.
We start with Ross Clark:
What’s your job role?
Student Engagement and Communications Assistant.
There’s quite a few different strands to it but, basically, I help promote everything positive that students are involved in by writing articles for our GCU Student Newsroom and help them make new friends at GCU through things like our PALS programme.
What’s your favourite thing about working at GCU?
Definitely making friends with students from all over the world. I particularly love how positive and enthusiastic international students are, especially about Scotland. I think it’s something we could all learn from.
What did you study at uni?
I studied Sports Journalism at University of the West of Scotland. Spent four years in Ayr and many a night in the famous Club De Mar!
Where else have you worked?
After finishing University in 2018, I worked for a year at Skills Development Scotland where I was a communications and marketing intern – a great place with great people!
What is an interesting fact about yourself?
I did once manage to drive round a roundabout the wrong way, but I’ll save that for another time.
I’m a football referee and on a Saturday you’ll find me officiating in the West of Scotland League or Lowland League. It’s a big passion of mine and it’s definitely the next best thing to playing the beautiful game (which I wasn’t very good at).
What’s your guilty pleasure?
I don’t think it should be classed as a guilty pleasure because we all live such busy lives, but a proper chilled Sunday is something that takes a bit of beating. A long lie, maybe a bit of brunch, followed by lying in bed watching films with lots of snacks – superb!
If you were a drink what would you be?
It would probably be Irn-Bru. Although I’m not ginger, I am very proud to be Scottish.
If you could choose any language to be fluent in what would it be and why?
Ah, it would have to be Italian. Everything about Italy just oozes coolness. Also, if you’re able to order cannolis, pasta and pizza without stumbling over your words then there are obvious benefits.
What is something you’re really interested in?
Watching Scotland’s national football team. I could have classed it as a guilty pleasure because we’ve improved dramatically in recent times, but I’ll stick it in here instead.
My dad, brother and I have been going to games at Hampden for the last 20 years and witnessed more than our fair share of utter nonsense, so it’s pleasing that we’re on the up.
I particularly enjoy when we go to away games and get to experience places we wouldn’t normally travel to, like Israel and Moldova – although Moldova isn’t fun in winter wearing a kilt!
This or that…
Music or podcast?
It depends. If I’m driving, I quite like a podcast because it makes the journey go quicker but if I’m just about the house then I’ve got to have some tunes on.
Poppadoms or bread ?
It’s got to be bread. I’m a fan of mango chutney and his other tasty condiment friends that go along with poppadoms, but a good bit of bread and butter simply cannot be beaten – especially if it’s slightly heated.
Still or sparkling water?
Still. Sparkling water is what I imagine drinking a static television would be like.
Staying in or going out?
There are obvious perks to both. If it’s a week night then I’m staying in but if it’s a few beers on a Saturday night, then I’m there.
City break or beach holiday?
Oh, that’s a good one. I think I’d just edge towards city break, purely because I’m not a big fan of sand going everywhere – or standing on pebbles for that matter.
Apple or Android?
Android. I really don’t get the IPhone hype.
Cheeseboard or sweet treat?
It’s tough given I’m a big fan of savoury and sweet. However, a dessert - if worth having - should always contain lots of sugar/chocolate, so I’ll go sweet treat.