From performing arts to working with animals: Q+A with student Charlotte

What got you interested in studying an animal-based degree?

Before this, I actually did a different degree in performing arts. But I never felt like that was something I would pursue properly. I went traveling and fell in love with lots of different wildlife and animals. I really enjoyed seeing different communities, and how their relationships with animals worked. From that point onwards, animals became my main interest. I’d heard of Merrist Wood before through other people who had been here. So I came to an open day, and thought it was really cool. And then after my first year, I knew this was definitely where I’m meant to be. I’m very set on a career with animals and to see where this journey takes me.

What’s your experience at Merrist Wood been like so far?

Being around people who want to do the same as me and learn new things is very inspiring and keeps me motivated. My peers and teachers have their own interests and areas of knowledge, with their own goals and ambitions too. It’s so nice to be around positivity. It makes me excited to come to university. When I did my performing arts degree, everyone was so dramatic! There’s no drama here. Everyone gets on, I feel really connected to my teachers, and everyone supports each other. It’s a really nice environment. I like the fact that the course is practical but also science-based, where you have to properly think and research things. I’m learning new things every day, which I love.

How would you describe the feeling on a Merrist Wood animal management course?

It’s a really nice community. We’re all friends, and we meet up outside of classes too, and do things like walks. We’re always learning from each other, and it’s just really nice to spend time with people you consider to be ‘your people’. We even have teachers who are doing their Master’s degrees at the same time too, so they’re learning alongside us. It’s really cool hearing about what they’re doing as well. It makes you love learning.

What have been your best learning experiences so far?

Me and a friend are currently working on a project with Lao Wildlife Conservation Trust. We sent some equipment over to them, they’re collecting the data, and we’re analysing it. That’s a great opportunity. And I also went on the trip to Shamwari Game Reserve in South Africa, which was a brilliant experience.

Tell us more about the South Africa trip!

We did a bit of everything across the whole scope of working with animals, and the food and accommodation were so good! We were staying smack bang in the middle of the reserve, so we’d wake up and hear the monkeys and lions – it was a very immersive experience. Being surrounded by like-minded people and animals was inspiring. We did a lot with our evenings too, like bat surveys and moth surveys, or we’d all hang out and watch camera trap footage. We also did a lot with the community out there, helping them pick up rubbish, giving them food, and playing with the kids. It was really eye opening, and it made me want to do more to have a positive impact, change lives and understand different views of animals. The experience has made me want to do my dissertation abroad.

How do you balance your studies with the rest of your life?

Since I’ve already done another degree, I wasn’t able to get a student loan for this course, which means I’m working two jobs to pay for it. I do dog walking, and I work here at Merrist Wood at the Animal Management Centre. There are a lot of students who work here – I’m part of the commercial staff team, so I help run birthday parties, do educational talks, and help with the animal husbandry and cleaning out the animals. I’ve learned a lot through that too – it’s been really good. I also do some volunteering. I like to be a busy person! Because I’m paying for the course I know I really want to be here, and that actually drives me to work harder.

How have you changed since you’ve been at Merrist Wood?

Being here has really brought out my confidence to be more independent. I feel like I’m my own person rather than following other people. I’m not sure what my ideal job is yet, but probably something in wildlife rehabilitation or conservation. Now I feel confident that I’ll be able to continue learning to go on and do the things I want to do.