Well that is an end to four years of University in Dundee. Finishing up my degree has made me reflect on my time at University as well as think about the future. It is both daunting and exciting to think about what is ahead. I have been in education my whole life so it can be strange to think of doing something else. However, I am super excited to take new opportunities that were not possible while I was at university and work towards a career in the environment and conservation sector.
University was a mixed bag of emotions. Obviously, my last year was nothing like I thought it would be, completing online classes in my bedroom at home. However, I still had so many amazing experiences while at Dundee. I had the opportunity to study abroad in Canada. I spent two fantastic summers working at a summer camp in the United States. I got to play my favourite sport with some absolutely amazing girls in the Women’s Basketball Club. A club that whole heartedly shaped my university experience. I do not know what I would have done without the club and the amazing people in it. We were even able to win the Scottish Conference Cup right before lockdown!
Of course, there were some times that weren’t fantastic. I can’t say that my first year was the absolute best, it by no means was bad. I met some great people and joined the Basketball Club. But now, looking back I realise that there was many elements of University that I was still adjusting to after having lived and gone to school in the same place my whole life. The most important thing I learned during my first year and beyond is that no one’s University experience is the same, so it is vital to not get caught up thinking you aren’t having the ‘University Experience’ just because you aren’t going to certain events. People enjoy different activities and have different priorities. There is no required or pre-set experiences that determine someone’s time at University, it will be different for everyone which I found important to remember.
Anyway, that is a wrap on my undergraduate degree at the University of Dundee. I am excited to see what comes ahead.