When I look back on my time at the University of York, it’s with a mixture of nostalgia, gratitude and disbelief at how much those years shaped who I am today.
These days, Sara Davies MBE is an internationally-acclaimed businesswoman, best known for her appearances on Dragon’s Den.
But there was a day, not too long ago, when she was a University of York student like any other, living with friends in Derwent College, running late for lectures and heading up the women’s cricket team.
This week’s Human of York, she spoke to York for Life about her reflections on student life.
She said: “I arrived at York a fresh-faced teenager, moving into D Block – yes, the so-called ‘concrete monstrosity’. But I quickly fell in love with that building and its character. D Block was home.
“I studied Management and IT, and did a year-long placement in industry before returning for my final year.
"That placement was a turning point. It was the best decision I could have made. Working in a small business meant I had the chance to apply everything I’d learned in my first two years. I wasn’t just a cog in a machine; I was running things, making decisions, and learning what it really meant to be an entrepreneur.
"Crafter's Companion started as a side hustle in my final year. I ran the business from my student room, enlisting my housemates to help answer phones and brainstorm marketing strategies. I was juggling everything: lectures, coursework and a fledgling business."
In 2023, we were delighted to welcome Sara back to York to receive an honorary degree in recognition of her achievements in business.
She said: “Graduation day is often described as ‘Return on Investment Day’ for parents. When I first graduated, it felt like it was all for them.
“Years later, when I received my honorary degree from York, it was for me. Standing up to give my speech, seeing my parents in the audience, I felt the University was acknowledging what I’d achieved since leaving. It was a full circle moment, and I was incredibly proud."
