Humans of York: Anietie
"The path to our destination may look bleak, but we will only get there if we keep striving, and we will never get there if we ever stop trying."
Introducing this week's Human of York - Masters graduate, Anietie:
"My experience in York has been really amazing, and I've enjoyed every part of it. Well, except for the lockdown that wanted to spoil the show! But, altogether it was very pleasant.
"Starting with the support system offered by members of the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence (GCCE) to the kindness expressed by the people I met.
"My academic supervisor (Avtar) giving me a cup of tea on a cold lonely morning when I took a stroll to the University and the amazing British dinners that I had with a warm and receptive UK host family demonstrates in no small way, the kindness that has greeted my York experience.
"There are also the numerous visit to York Minster, York city walls, Clifford's tower, and other historical landmarks scattered all over the city of York. Visiting these places with dear friends and having fun-filled potlucks were a part of the beautiful memories which I will never forget.
"I will greatly miss volunteering as part of the Green impact team and being involved with a number of societies at York. I have always been very passionate about volunteering and community development - before my postgraduate studies, I had initiated, executed and volunteered in projects tailored towards environmental advocacy, climate change mitigation, youth leadership and sustainable development working in local communities and with NGOs in my home country.
"It has been very exciting for me to have this experience in York with the various societies and the diverse University community. I participated in tree planting exercises (getting my hands dirty to save the planet!) and led sustainability talks during One Planet Week to enlighten participants on 'greening their homes'. I was also actively involved as a Green Impact Project Assistant (GIPA) - volunteering with the team to achieve the sustainability gold award presented by the University. Volunteering helps to save the planet which is very fulfilling, but I love it when these efforts are also recognised.
"I have these words of encouragement to every student graduating with me today: 'We have just overcome a very difficult year and achieved our degrees through persistence, commitment and hard work. If we could do this, then we can win anything else if we only keep at it, and never give up. The path to our destination may look bleak, but we will only get there if we keep striving, and we will never get there if we ever stop trying.' I wish everyone the very best."
Anietie, MSc Green Chemistry and Sustainable Industrial Technology, Humans of York, January 2021