PSL voices | Cheer Up : An association that puts smiles back on the faces of young patients

When you begin your first year of undergraduate studies, you discover a new environment, new people, new courses. But it is also a time when you encounter student associations that can help you fit in. Maud tells us about her experience with 'Cheer Up', an association that supports teenagers and young adults with cancer in fulfilling their dreams.

Joining a charitable association

I first met the members of Cheer Up at an association presentation day at the start of my first year of the Bachelor's in Management degree at Dauphine - PSL. I got on well with them straight away and loved what they were doing with young people and how they were helping to combat cancer. I took time to get some information and I applied to join the association as an active member. Why, you ask? Because of all the associations, it was the one that best reflected my values.

I have been a member of this association for three years. During my first year of my Bachelor's degree, I joined as a member of the communications group, and then I was elected vice president. In the last year of my Bachelor's program, I was elected as chief representative of the network committee of the association's federal level.

What is Cheer Up ?

Cheer Up was founded in 2004 by a student at ESSEC who had survived cancer. Since then, branches have been set up at nearly all the grandes écoles, and the project continues to grow! The association helps combat cancer in young people aged 8 to 20 by helping them to fulfil their dreams. As volunteers, we visit them each week in the clinic's oncology wards.

What have I done at Cheer Up ?

At the , I did a variety of things to help raise money. In particular, I helped organize a Race Against Cancer in the Bois de Boulogne. These funds were then used to help fulfil the dreams of young people at the hospital, dreams which varied greatly depending on the patient.

One of the traditions of my Cheer Up branch is to arrange an outing to Disneyland Paris every year, so that young people can get away from their everyday lives for a day. I took part in this and could the see the smiles on their faces: for me this is the greatest thanks I could ever receive.

Taking a full part in these projects was essential to helping me discover what I wanted to do later. I held big responsibilities that taught me a great deal. Being a volunteer was also a chance for me to make a great group of friends with whom I shared unforgettable moments that marked all of us.

I hope you can all take part in an association like this one. After these three years, I can say that it was the best decision I have ever made in my life. I met wonderful people and learned a lot. So thanks to PSL for allowing me to contribute to this project, and I hope it will continue long into the future.

I am absolutely convinced that you will find an association that is right for you at PSL !
See the student associations at PSL

How to join Cheer Up ?

Cheer Up is an association at Dauphine - PSL that is open to all students in Dauphine. If you are interested in the association, you can learn more about it during the recruitment periods at the start of the academic year.

Follow them and contact them at or on their

What are you waiting for ? Get involved !