Lily
Programme of study
MEnv Environmental Geography (with placement year).
Tell us a bit about your background
I am from a small village near Durham in the Northeast of England. The area I grew up in was very traditional and lacked diversity, so since moving away for University I have been intrigued by the opportunity to learn about different cultures and understand how various backgrounds can influence University experience and beyond. I have family all over the world, including Germany (thanks to my dad for bringing me up bilingual), Greece and Australia which gives a good excuse for a holiday (although I’m yet to travel as far as Australia, one day maybe...)
Why did you want to get involved with the Student Expert Panel?
I worked as a department representative during my first year of University and was offered opportunities including working alongside existing members of the panel. Through this I saw the positive impact that the panel could have and was interested in having a more direct involvement with the group to ensure the University can progress and make necessary changes to improve access for all students.
I took a break from being a panellist during my placement year with AtkinsRéalis where I worked as a Water Management Consultant, I thoroughly enjoyed my year in industry and I look forward to using some of the skills I acquired over the year to support both my studies and to hopefully make a meaningful impact with the Student Expert Panel. Taking a break from University for a year to work allowed me to take a step back and look at the world, and specifically the University, through a different lens; I hope that this will enhance my contributions to the panel and improve my ability to think aspirationally and innovatively, while also keeping in mind realistic and achievable targets.
What are you involved with at York, and what are you interested in outside of your studies?
Outside my studies I am a member of Kato Lister Women's Football Club (KLWFC) where I enjoy going to training sessions (and of course their socials) and hope to be able to play in some matches during the football season.
As well as being involved with activities associated with the University, I also have a love for the outdoors from hiking to cycle rides or a quiet walk by the river, I love being outside and exploring the surrounding environment. I am also currently trying to refresh my piano playing skill after neglecting my piano for a few years since going to University, hopefully by the end of the year I'll be able to play half as well as I used to!
If you're a current panelist, what do you think has been your biggest impact so far on the Student Expert Panel?
I was a panellist during my second year of University before taking a break while I went on my placement year, so I was not involved in any of the most recent projects that the panel took on. Although, an impact that I do remember quite distinctively from my time on the panel during my second year of University was the contributions to the updates to the Access and Participation Plan.