Meg Powley
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About Me:
Hi! My name is Meg Powley, I’m neurodivergent, studied Economics and have just completed my fourth and final year at UEA. I love animals, reading and theatre.
My course and my studies:
I am studying BSc Economics with a year abroad and I am in my final year. I did a split-year abroad, so I spent a semester in Hong Kong and a semester in San Francisco.
Economics has a wide range of assessments including exams, coursework, poster presentations, podcasts and lots more! This means that you can tailor your modules to your strengths.
The Economics department is very supportive and have an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion committee that helps promote inclusivity in the department.
What is your favourite thing about your course?
My favourite thing about my course is how many different modules and topics you can study. You can study anything from Finance to Environmental Policy. Also, how supportive the department is. I feel like I have built some great relationships with staff and students.
Adjustments:
Some adjustments include I get 50% extra time during exams, access to lecture material 24 hours in advance, audio recording of lectures, planned absences, renegotiated deadlines and adjustments applied to the universities I studied at abroad.
Support at UEA:
I received lots of support from UEA. I have adjustments such as extra time during exams which I have not previously had which has helped immensely. Each department also has a Disability Liaison Officer who is a member of staff who is there to help those with disabilities. I have also had the opportunity to join the Economic department’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion group to help shape change for those with disabilities in the department which has been very rewarding.
My journey to UEA:
I chose UEA because it is well known for Economics which is my subject area and there was the opportunity to do a split year abroad (study abroad in two different places) which is very unique. UEA also has great disability support and adjustments which was a key concern for me.
UEA was actually my insurance university (2nd choice) but the disability team were there from the start helping me with a range of things from DSA to adjusting to university life. DSA was quite a long and tiring process I will admit, but definitely worth it in the end for the support I received.
What would I have done differently?
I think if I did university all over again, I would have attended more taster sessions and joined more different clubs and societies as that is where I found most of my friends in my final year.
I also think I would be more understanding towards myself. I tried to attend lots of different events during the start of term in my first year and some days I would struggle with my disability and force myself to go even if I didn’t feel good or beat myself up for not attending. It can be difficult to accept that I have less energy due to my disability, but I found if I planned my time out, I could do lots and people were very understanding. Just remember to be kind to yourself as it is a big change.
What is something I wish I knew before starting university?
I wish I knew about DiSCo at UEA which is the Disabled Students’ Community which is a peer support society at UEA. It is completely free to join and attend and there are lots of relaxing events where I get to discuss the difficulties, I face due to my disability with others who understand
I also which I knew I could speak to the disability service if I feel like I need more support. I felt guilty contacting them to ask for other adjustments that I felt would benefit me, but they are all lovely and more than willing to help.
Hobbies and interests / clubs and societies:
I am Vice-President for UEA Pride society, Treasurer for Disabled Students’ Community and Health and Safety Officer for the Economics society. I am also a part of the Conservation and Wildlife Society and the Taylor Swift society.
I have also previously been a part of the Equestrian team, Rowing team, Tap society and Ballet society.
I would recommend joining a club or society as it is a community of individuals who enjoy similar things to you, and I have made lots of close friends.
My favourite thing about UEA / Norwich:
My favourite place at UEA is the lake. I love to walk around there with friends and look at the wildlife to destress after classes. I also enjoy having a barbecue beside the lake during the summer.
My future plans are...
I have accepted an offer to join the Civil Service Fast Stream for Government Policy. I am looking forward to the next chapter in my life, but I will miss UEA as I have had a great time here!