I am a mature student. I am currently writing my dissertation on the sick role. I am looking at the social exclusion of the sick, stigma associated with sickness, care and control of the sick role by medical professionals and the expansion of the sick role. Additionally I am working with a team on a student lead health promotion which aims to improve student mental health. As a school representative I have collected feedback from students and relayed it to student union and academic staff. I have taken part in course committee meetings, student union meetings and campaigns and the social science student forum. I represented students at the course enhancement board. I have worked as a care assistant for disabled adults receiving direct payments. My role was to provide practical help such as washing and dressing as well as social support such as shopping and visiting friends and relatives. I found working as a care assistant rewarding as it had a positive impact on the life of the service users I was supporting.