Kiri Huddleston (Travelling)
Name: Kiri Huddleston
Subject: BSc Environmental Science
Year Graduated: 2014
College: Furness
Where are you now and what are you doing?
I’m currently travelling around South America for three months with my friend Nancy who I met in Lancaster! At this very moment I am writing from the Galapagos Islands. We decided to travel after university as we needed a bit of time off after all the hard work! I also just wanted to get out and see the world – South America has a lot of incredible places to visit.
Why did you choose to study at Lancaster?
I chose Lancaster because the course sounded the best. Initially I was really interested in volcanoes and earthquakes but also wanted to learn more about how the world works in general so the course fitted really well. Although this course did have the most compulsory modules, meaning I couldn’t choose as many as I would have liked, it did have the most field trips which was a real bonus for me as I love being able to put things I learn into practice. Also Lancaster was so welcoming and friendly and the open day provided me with loads of useful information.
What was your favourite part of your degree and why?
My favourite part of the degree were the big field trips, they involved a lot of work but they were also so much fun. The trip to Carrock Fell at the beginning of second year was great because the whole course really got to bond and meet each other properly for the first time. It was the wettest year on record and we were still out working in it – tough conditions but it was such an experience we all think of it as a highlight now! Watching the sunset in Mull chatting around a fire after having visited Staffa wont be forgotten in a hurry. The trip to Etna in third year was also amazing…
How do you think your time at Lancaster prepared you for what you’re currently doing?
My time at Lancaster has above all else given me more confidence which I think is the best preperation for post university life I could have asked for. I even completed a masters degree after which I never saw myself doing before! Undertaking the Lancaster Award has also really prepared me for job applications and interviews as it teaches you recognise new skills you have acquired, gives you the opportunity to gain work experience and shows you how to express these to potential employers – I would definitely recommend doing it. I also learnt that you should never be afraid to ask for help.
What did you enjoy most about your time at Lancaster? (Including extra-curricular activities and beyond?
As much as I enjoyed the learning, I really loved hanging out with friends. I have so many funny memories of things we did like nights out, trips to Windermere, BBQs, trips to places near by, Ashton Memorial, Fireworks, the canal, playing in a band etc. There were many days of stressing over deadlines and exams but these are the things I remember looking back. I really felt part of the Lancaster community.
