Elizabeth Smith

Mature student Elizabeth Smith on why looking back isn’t an option and the value of stepping outside your comfort zone.

Your time at the University

I chose the University of Edinburgh, rather than any other, because it offered the course that I wanted to take, but also because it is the University of Edinburgh!

It is one of the best in the world, as well as one of the oldest, with a long record of educational excellence. It is an institution of which I could be proud to say that I was an alumna.

The lecturers in the history department are excellent and the knowledge and information that i gained during the lectures and tutorials will stay with me forever.

I also enjoyed participating in the innovation weeks each January during which, for example, I visited Hadrian’s wall, watched various films and participated in discussions and debates on subjects well outside my normal comfort zone.

I also met some lovely people who became good friends from different areas of study.

Be adventurous. Don’t go for the safe option. Follow your heart and do what makes you happy.

Tell us about your Experiences since leaving the University

I joined university after completing my career (40 years in the Scottish Government) so this part is not really relevant.

I do however believe that if I had gone to university before I embarked on full time employment, I would have very probably chosen a different career path.

Alumni wisdom

Be adventurous. Don’t go for the safe option. Follow your heart and do what makes you happy.

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