Geo Polloy
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About Me:
I’m Geo (pronouns they/he), and I am a Senior Student & Disability Ambassador! :)
My course and my studies:
I am a final year BSc Hons Ecology & Conservation student and have completed a foundation year in Biology at UEA. I intercalated a year of my degree due to health reasons and have had great support from UEA upon my return this year.
What is your favourite thing about your course?
What I enjoy the most about my course is the ability to study across multiple disciplines – it is recognised that wildlife conservation and climate change are issues that need scientists, business owners, policymakers and everyone from all walks of life to come together and make a change.
Adjustments:
I receive lecture materials on Blackboard 24 hours in advance, automatic 21-day calendar extensions to my deadlines because of my SpLD (Specific Learning Difficulty) and receive specific software that helps me to participate in lectures such as Glean to record lecture material and Grammarly for spellchecking.
Support at UEA:
I have received support through 1-1 therapy sessions, wellbeing workshops throughout the pandemic and help gaining my diagnosis of dyslexia.
My journey to UEA:
I chose UEA because it was close enough to my hometown that I could travel back if I needed to, and far enough away that I still had my own independence. The CEEC Department (Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation) at UEA is one of the best in the country, and I knew that UEA would be there to support me with my studies if I needed them to.
What would I have done differently?
Always start working on deadlines a month in advance if you can, even if that’s just writing an outline and understanding the question. You’ll find topics covered through other modules / your own reading will help to inspire you and make a better piece of coursework at the end of it. That also gives extra time for people like me who procrastinate a lot!
What is something I wish I knew before starting university?
Never be afraid to reach out for help if you need to; UEA has an open-door policy with lecturers and networks for disabled students, as well as UEA’s support systems themselves, so if you have a question or a problem that needs solving, speak up!
Hobbies and interests / clubs and societies:
I am a social media co-ordinator for BunGAY Pride in Suffolk, as well as a freelance photographer for events in and around Norwich. I have been a part of the UEA Greens society since 2020 and have recently contributed an article to the Norwich Radical on human interactions with wildlife along the Norfolk coast. In my spare time I play guitar and piano, attend live music events, and I am also a gamer.
My favourite thing about UEA / Norwich:
The Norwich music scene is great for if you want a night out – from UEA’s own LCR and the Waterfront to smaller venues such as Voodoo Daddy’s and the Norwich Arts Centre, it’s a vibrant community where you’re sure to make friends, have a good time and see some quality artists!
My future plans are...
I have secured an internship in Norwich and plan to work in the environmental communications/policy sector, helping with outreach to increase professional and public understanding of the challenges facing the natural world!