These students who are getting involved
Who said young people aren’t interested in getting involved anymore? At UM, more than 130 student organizations invite you to experience university life through the lens of community and collaboration.
Youth in Action: From the Streets of Montpellier to the Mediterranean Crisis
In just over two years, the organization Jeunesse s’engage has managed to bring together no fewer than 80 members behind Thierry Escolar and his colleague Olivier Saunier, the two students at the helm of an organization that is breathing new life into collective action. A student of history and political science, Thierry advocates for a “nonpartisan approach that transcends political divides.” He leads college, middle school, and high school students in civic initiatives: outreach patrols through the streets of Montpellier, health prevention campaigns, and drives to collect hygiene products for women in need…
It is through action that this young man truly comes into his own: in the summer of 2016, Thierry arrived in Palermo with a truckload of supplies for young migrants stranded on the coast of Sicily. Once there, he and a few others launched a humanitarian effort worthy of a professional NGO: sports activities, psychological support, training sessions… The young political scientist invites all those of good will to join him: “There comes a time when protesting is no longer enough. After philosophy comes action.”
Health Mentoring: Promoting Equal Opportunities in PACES
The health studies tutoring program provides first-year students in the Common First Year of Health Studies (PACES) with over 1,000 multiple-choice questions, course reviews, practice exams, and valuable study tips each year. Led by upperclassmen in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, or midwifery, the health tutoring program brings together nearly 250 tutors trained in the fundamentals of teaching. Their role: to support PACES students throughout this decisive year, which culminates in a highly selective entrance exam.
And the results speak for themselves: “ "A student who has received tutoring sees their chances of passing the competitive exam increase sixfold, a figure equivalent to that of students who have attended a prep school,” says Mathieu Bauer, president of the FED, which brings together various healthcare tutoring associations. Private prep schools charge several thousand euros for their support, whereas tutoring is intended to be free. Funded by the university, this program mobilizes faculty members each year to train the tutors.
The UM Naturalist Group: Championing Biodiversity
At GNUM, we make little distinction between beginners, passionate amateurs, and professional researchers. It’s a way of celebrating diversity that fits perfectly with this organization, whose goal is precisely to promote an unsuspected form of (bio)diversity: that of our campuses. Through the “Inventaire fac’” project, GNUM has brought to light hundreds of plant and animal species that thrive at our feet or above our heads, thereby contributing to valuable monitoring of the state of local biodiversity. A fine example of “citizen science” that has inspired others, in Marseille and Toulouse. GNUM also conducts awareness-raising activities with schoolchildren in Celleneuve and La Mosson, organizes nature outings, and hosts events like the 24 Hours of Biodiversity in Triolet, featuring scientific activities, observations, and school workshops… Above all, GNUM seeks to raise awareness:“We’re always more eager to protect what we know,” sums up Thomas, who completed his civic service last year with this 170-member association. At the heart of GNUM’s philosophy: bringing together people of all levels and skills. The association invites everyone, whether they’re part of the UM or not, to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty to help advance knowledge and protection of this discreet yet vital biodiversity.
iTALKs: When Words Are Set Free
Inspired by the famous TED Talks, iTALKs were launched in 2017 at the Richter Student Union. In April, about twenty students took the stage at the MDE, often for the first time.
The concept: For five minutes, each participant presents a topic close to their heart to the audience—whether with humor, seriousness, or emotion… While the format is lighthearted, the goal is very serious: to practice public speaking, a fear shared by many students. Yet this is an essential skill for presenting one’s work effectively. Beyond their educational value, iTALKs provide an opportunity for students from very different campuses and backgrounds to meet.“The goal is also to allow everyone to share a passion or personal experience with an audience of strangers and in front of a panel,” explains Nicolas Heckmann, the project’s initiator. On the agenda for this first edition are topics as diverse as the experience of racism or growing up in Tahiti, the blue economy, or the death of a loved one…
To prepare for their presentations, these iTalkers benefited from eight training sessions led by an instructor from the Cours Florent and a coach from the doctoral school. Because public speaking isn’t something you can just wing.“Having the courage to speak up takes real work,” confirms Frauke Batbedat, stage manager at the MDE.
iTalks are back in 2018, so stay tuned!