Ó£»¨ÊÓƵ

What course did you study at Ó£»¨ÊÓƵ?
FdSc Animal Conservation.

Did you continue your studies after leaving Ó£»¨ÊÓƵ? If so, where did you go?
I did my year top-up for BSc (Hons) at South Devon College (University of Plymouth).

How did your time at Ó£»¨ÊÓƵ help you in your career?
First class tutoring gave me the confidence to network with conservation professionals. The course inspired me to volunteer with several conservation organisations through which I met many people in this field. The course gave me the confidence and ability to study further for my BSc (Hons). I made friends with my fellow students and some of these also introduced me to conservation professionals some of which I still work with today.

What’s been your proudest moment since leaving Ó£»¨ÊÓƵ?
Gaining a First Class Honours BSc in Applied Animal Science at 63 years old.

What are your best memories from your time at Ó£»¨ÊÓƵ?
All of the above. Dry stone walling in the rain and surveying for dormice.

Do you have any advice for someone about to embark on their college journey?
Ask lots of questions and take notes. Engaging with your tutors makes classwork much more interesting for them. Take one assignment at a time but don’t fall behind and keep your eye on the finishing line – it will come quicker than you think.
It is all possible. Enjoy it and be grateful for your time. Do as much volunteering in your chosen field as you can and do plenty of networking to make sure that you meet the people that you hope to be associated with later. Appreciate their mentoring – their time is precious to both of you. Be kind and say thank you!