The best year of my life: Q+A with student Millie

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

I transferred here from another college last year where the learning was more focused on companion and farm animals. That means I’m a level 5 at Merrist Wood, but this is my first year here. I knew I wanted to specialise in wildlife and conservation, and Merrist Wood came up when I Googled it. All the module content sounded amazing, so I came for an open day, and absolutely fell in love with the place. The site is so lovely and everyone was so immediately welcoming. I had a tour from a level 6 student and it was really nice to get a feel of the work they were doing, and to see how passionate they were as well. Speaking to the Faculty Manager, Jack Merrifield, really inspired me too, and I heard about all the options that I would have after the course. So I transferred, and it’s been everything I expected it to be.

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

We’re treated as scientists here, which is really nice. Obviously we’re still learning, but we’re still treated as professionals. I’ve really enjoyed being challenged with the lessons. You don’t just go to a lecture and switch off. We’ve constantly got activities, we’re doing presentations, we’re getting feedback all the time. It’s really engaging, and it’s a really comfortable environment as well. I like the small class size and it’s really open for you to ask questions, engage, and have discussions with your classmates. I think that’s such a positive way of learning, and we learn from each other too.

Do you know what you want to do as a career?

I’ve been able to build so many personal soft skills that are important for the workplace. Particularly the CPD module and the work experience – going out into the world and experiencing these things – have helped my career goals. I had never really thought too much about public speaking, or about working with kids in education, but now I’ve realised that’s my passion. I really want to make young people aware of conservation and inspire young people for the future. I would never have discovered that if I hadn’t come to Merrist Wood. Being here has opened so many doors to future study as well, and I think I’d also like to do a Master’s and do further research. I never really thought that was possible before, but now I feel like I have the opportunity and ability to do it.

You went on the recent field trip to South Africa. Tell us about it!

It was so amazing! It was such a great experience. I think a lot of people who want to get into conservation are interested in the international side, but it’s very difficult – and quite scary – to go off and do it by yourself and travel alone. It was so lovely to have that offered to us to go as a group, to do it safely, to learn all these different practical skills that we’d never have the opportunity to do otherwise. It’s really nice to build on the theory and go out and experience the learning. Being out in wildlife, shadowing the rangers, having the opportunity to identify species and trees – we built up so many skills. I love worms, and the experience has definitely made me want to research worms in a range of habitats and in some more tropical environments. It was so wholesome. And I properly disconnected. I wasn’t worrying about where my phone was, I was just in the moment, really appreciating what was around me. The people really made it, and we bonded so much as a group.

What other practical work have you done during your time at Merrist Wood?

The world is definitely your oyster here. If you have a project you’re interested in running, you’ll get the support. I find work experience really valuable and I’ve done quite a few placements. One of them was a 12-week programme where I’d go out to different sites doing conservation work around Surrey once a week. That was really positive for developing a lot of practical skillsets. And given my love for worms – on one of my projects I’m fortunate to be working with the Biological Recording Company too.

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

It’s so nice to have the lectures condensed into two days. That means we have the opportunity to have jobs and earn at the same time, and it definitely reduces travel costs. The work and assignments are spread quite evenly throughout the year too, and we have reading weeks as well, so we have a lot of time to do our independent studies along with the lectures. For me, it all works really nicely.

How would you sum up your Merrist Wood experience so far?

I’ll gladly say that Merrist Wood has been the best year of my life. It’s such an inspiring environment to be in. I’d take Merrist Wood over any other university. The experience is so much more personal, and you’re treated so professionally. I’ve really found myself, my confidence, and my interests here. I’m just so excited for the future.