Libby-Mae Hamson
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About Me:
I am Libby (pronouns she/her), and I am a Wellbeing Ambassador and Disability Ambassador, as well as current President of the Green Society, here at UEA!
My course and my studies:
I have completed my BA in Politics and have moved onto a master's degree in Cultural Heritage and Museums at UEA, as I’ve loved my studies so far here!
What is your favourite thing about your course?
My favourite thing about my Politics degree is how broad it has been. There is so much selection during all processes – within module selection, during the individual classes and afterwards, when reviewing career outcomes. The school of Politics supports a lot of niches and there is something for everyone. I have been able to take modules on subjects I had no prior knowledge in and discovered that I really enjoyed it!
Adjustments:
To support my anxiety, I have a couple of adjustments in place to facilitate both my learning and when taking exams. With everyday learning, I have access to online materials such as lectures, handouts, and audio recordings; as well as the ability to move freely if feeling anxious and take leave if I need to. I also have a specialist mentor, 1:1 meeting with a wellbeing advisor, and feedback adjustments.
During exams, I get extra time and breaks as well as a small group for invigilating, and a UEA laptop.
Support at UEA:
The university has been really understanding about my anxiety. If I’ve had to miss classes or work due to my mental health, they have provided me with resources to help me with individual learning or reaching out for support.
Moreover, if assessments such as in-class presentations have been too daunting, module leaders have been great with creating alternative solutions or providing safe spaces to complete the presentation.
My journey to UEA:
I found that my high school wasn’t very supportive with anxiety, they appeared to understand but saw it as issue with crowds so kept me separate during busy times in school, and simply told me to ‘try’. Then, my sixth form experience was during COVID – I spent almost the entire 2 years at home due to the pandemic and then because I was too anxious to go in, completed my exams remotely, too.
I chose to come to UEA because my mum had studied in Norwich in the 90s and it felt right to follow her. I was familiar with the city and parents visit the coast a lot so it meant I would be living away, but still able to see my family frequently.
Although moving away was terrifying, it was the best thing I could have done. It forced me to confront my anxiety and utilise techniques of coping I had gained from therapy.
What would I have done differently?
If I were to come to UEA again with the knowledge I have now, I would have gotten involved with the community more! Although I do not regret settling into university at my own pace, when I started working as an accommodation ambassador with my housemates during first year, or joined societies in my second, it opened me up to the wider community of UEA and helped me find myself.
What is something I wish I knew before starting university?
Everyone is as nervous as you are. It feels like people are so confident and self-assured when you first meet them at university, but the truth is we are all faking it!
I remember crying for the first week of university, in my room by myself, regretting my decision to move away – if I had reached out to a housemate, I would have realised I was not alone. It gets easier, I promise!
Hobbies and interests / clubs and societies:
My house has never been into nightlife and drinking so we love a boardgame or movie night. If anyone in our friendship group is hosting, it’s us!
I’m also President of the Green Society so we organise events surrounding sustainability, the environment and trips to various places like the Houses of Parliament. A lot of my close friends were found in the society too!
My favourite thing about UEA / Norwich:
The number of small businesses around Norwich is exciting and delightful! The lanes hold so many secret shops with clothing, trinkets and good food! It’s worth the adventure and you can certainly get lost for hours exploring.
My future plans are...
During my master's I am hoping to develop my knowledge of the environment, which I have learnt throughout my degree and during my time in the Green Society, and further it with research about climate change and its effects on the cultural heritage sector. I want to draw focus upon indigenous and cultural minority methods of sustainability, as these are often overlooked in conversations of climate solutions.