Second Lieutenant Lauren Shepherd - 6 Platoon Commander

I came to university with the intention of joining the UOTC as I had been interested in a career in the Army since leaving school and the opportunity to gain an insight was ideal.

I have always revelled in the opportunity to get involved in outside activities, sports and socialising.

The camaraderie and the prospect of getting involved in something different whilst at university was the big attraction. Coupled with the abundance of activities afforded by the Corps, the ability to earn money whilst undertaking them would provide me with a little extra financial security whilst studying.

However, there was still a slight doubt in my mind about whether I wanted to lose alternate weekends when just starting university. However, the officer cadets participating at Freshers' Fair put my mind at rest, I saw how many opportunities there were and I was completely sold on it.

My three years at Liverpool UOTC have been a thoroughly enjoyable experience. A major highlight was my Commissioning Course at Sandhurst which tested me both physically and mentally; it was a culmination of all the training which I had received.

It also meant that in my third year I got to command my own platoon - here I was teaching and leading people whose position I was in just one and two years previously! The course taught me a range of new skills which aren't solely related to the Army.

Before this, I enjoyed getting away from university at weekends and putting into practice what we had learnt during the week.

The abundant adventurous training opportunities have allowed me to try something very new and helped me bond with other members of the UOTC.

Last and by no means least - the many social events have also been great fun. There are so many experiences and opportunities which UOTC has provided.

Being part of an accountable, respectable organisation has given me an abundance of skills and attributes which will be invaluable to me in the future.

My abilities to lead with confidence, organise and communicate have been developed and put into practice over the years. From skiing in the Alps to climbing in Bavaria, I have built on my confidence and physical fitness in a challenging (and sometimes uncomfortable) environment.

One of the greatest rewards of being in UOTC is the friendship it has provided; strong bonds are made through the highs and lows of the challenges we face. My UOTC mates are the best friends I have made whilst at university and I have no doubt that I will continue to stay in contact with many of them though the unit's Alumni Association.

The UOTC has made my financial situation (and my comfort) slightly better at university as I get paid for all the training which I attend and I receive a bounty (bonus) on summer camp. I have been able to gain different awards whilst at UOTC, besides my highly valued commission, I have achieved two skiing qualifications, I am a certified instructor in Instructional Techniques and First Aid.

During my three years with the UOTC there has never been a point where I have disliked what I have been doing.

There have been some challenging moments but afterwards, when looking back, there is always a great sense of achievement.

This is amplified on a Sunday when I think of my non-UOTC friends, who were probably still in bed and achieving nothing at all.

The opportunity to get involved within an organisation that provides so many varied, exciting, and often unique possibilities should, in my opinion, not be missed - especially when you are even paid to take part.

I would highly recommend the UOTC to anyone, especially those with no previous military experience. Get involved and gain valuable skills and experience!