Graduating Donegal student recognised for 'enthusiasm and dedication' in the UK

A soon-to-be graduate has made a difference for the environment and fellow students as “the driving force” behind a new volunteer-run scheme at the University of Chester.

Yana Laszcziw, who was a student at Raphoe Royal and Prior, has been praised for her care, enthusiasm and dedication in leading a team of students in setting up and running the University’s first-ever clothes and accessories Swap Shop.

The 20-year-old, from Ramelton and later moving to Islington, London, took on the role of Swap Shop Project Co-ordinator among many other volunteering efforts during her time studying for a BSc (Bachelor of Science) with Honours Forensic Biology degree at the University.

A finalist for the University’s Student Volunteer of the Year Award 2025, she was inspired to go to university and study Forensic Biology by her parents’ police force roles.

Upon arriving, she was soon giving her time to a range of initiatives, including ‘Give It a Go’ sessions; from gardening at the University allotment, to Christmas window display design at a city charity shop, and becoming the Vice President and Charity Officer for the Catholic Society at the University.

On hearing about the idea for a Swap Shop at a Carbon Literacy training session, she said: “The project immediately held my interest as I am interested in sustainability, charity shopping, and exploring different clothing styles.

“The scheme is a Swap Shop for all things clothes-related; we accept clothes and accessories donations from students and staff, and in return, they can choose items to take away with them, free of charge. The deal is: an item for an item, or a pound for an item if you don’t have anything to swap.

“Getting the Swap Shop set up and promoting each event took a lot more effort than I first imagined, but every moment has been worth it. I am particularly proud that we are saving clothes from landfill and promoting the second-hand clothing agenda, and that I am leaving something behind, that others can benefit from.”

Amy Butt, Sustainability Engagement Co-ordinator at the University, shared that Yana was “the driving force for its continued success”.

She continued: “Without Yana's contributions, the Swap Shop would not have been possible, which would have deprived students and staff of the chance to access affordable clothing and raise awareness about fast fashion in a joyful and understanding way.”

Yana said she had gained a lot from her time as Swap Shop Project Co-ordinator and all her volunteering roles.

“I have developed my communication, event-organising and employability skills. I have also made connections and friendships while volunteering.

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“Moreover, these experiences have inspired me to support those in my community and foster a culture of care in daily life. The sense of fulfilment gained from supporting the vulnerable or providing a free service to those in need is so meaningful, as I have learned from my role as a telephone befriender for Snow Angels, a social enterprise which supports older people to continue to live independently and keep well.

“Also, being Vice President of the Catholic Society was a highlight of my time in Chester as I also feel a sense of fulfilment in helping to grow a society, and, as with the Swap Shop, leave some sort of legacy.”

Amy further commended Yana and the impact she has made: “Yana is one of the most committed and reliable students I have had the privilege of working with. Always willing to get involved, she responds with efficiency and clarity. Yana is a fantastic communicator and always gives 100%. She has shown great levels of empathy, as she possesses fantastic listening skills and always considers other people’s circumstances.

“Yana is the glue that holds a community of volunteers together - she creates a happier and healthier University environment. She gives without expectation of anything in return, which, quite simply, is the embodiment of what volunteering should be about.”

Yana returned the sentiment, outlining that: “I would not have participated in half of the opportunities that I did without the University staff and support schemes.”

She added that she decided to study at the University of Chester as the size of the city and the proximity of the campus to all the amenities on offer appealed to her, while the Forensic Biology course was one of the few on offer in the country, with the accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology really tipping her decision.

She liked the combination of a grounding in the traditional science of Biology with crime scene investigation, providing more choice of careers, and is currently considering roles in the police, wider public services, and not-for-profit organisations after gaining “a real passion for community work and an interest in the not-for-profit sector through volunteering”. Looking ahead, she said: “There are so many opportunities to grasp.”