Lingyin Fan

During my undergrad in China, I was attracted to magic tricks, hoping to be the best magician, until I realised that it was such a male-dominated industry where female magicians were rarely recognised or offered performance opportunities. Failing to overcome this obstacle and stand up for my rights, I left the magician world. Later I was offered an opportunity to work with pandas at a research centre, where I discovered my passion for how our ecosystem worked.

Deciding to follow my passion while still having a dream to be a magician, I chose to pursue my study of Ecological Economics at the University of Edinburgh, where pure magic – Harry Potter – and real magic – Dolly the sheep – were born. The year I spent in Edinburgh equipped me with the essential knowledge needed to work in the sustainability industry, taught me that there were many diversities, and most importantly, reminded me that my voice could be and should be heard.

I kept pushing my limits, I joined an English class half a year before my masters to adapt myself to the local culture, I also insisted on looking for a flat with local people instead of a student dorm. I still remember that I couldn't understand a word from my London flatmate and her friends but I would stand next to the group to listen and practice my English.

With students from 10 countries with different backgrounds, languages, and cultures, we studied and worked together, argued, laughed, and became close friends. Edinburgh is the friendliest place in the world where you can talk to everyone and make lifelong friends. Edinburgh is so small that you almost know everyone, yet Edinburgh is so big that you are always surprised by new discoveries.

​​​​​​​The year I spent in Edinburgh equipped me with the essential knowledge needed to work in the sustainability industry, taught me that there were many diversities, and most importantly, reminded me that my voice could be and should be heard.

Your experiences since leaving the University