Meet our alumni

Aaron Upton
BSc (Hons) Sport Management
Class of 2019

Where are you at the moment?

Currently, coaching youth football. I've been with Bristol Inner City Football Academy (BIC) since leaving Cardiff MET. Starting off as U13 Assistant Coach, still with them as U14s, travelling around the South West for fixtures, partaking in the Cobham Cup organised by Chelsea FC too, as well as academy fixtures. Part of my job is to recruit new (potential) talent too, which came naturally with a previous role as an academy scout for Bristol Rovers. I also coach a newly founded Development Centre for the Gloucestershire FA, leading the U10s/U11s and assist the U15s/U16s.

Tell us about your time at Cardiff Met.

I adapted quickly in my first year, academically, as my college course included some Level 4 modules, and the format of learning was almost identical. During my second and third years I began noticing how the university wanted work to be structured a certain way in order to be "academic" literature. For the real world, academic literature like research papers are useful for informing people about things, but being able to use that information within context is equally important. I don't feel like this side of things was pushed as much as it should have been. Theory and application. My thesis got a low grade due to being very broad and not very "academic", and I chose this. My overall graduation grade was only 2:2, but for anyone who works in my industry, they understand why I did my work the way I did. I used my work, and university, as a platform to showcase my abilities, not to be published on the universities database. I published my thesis on my LinkedIn and had hundreds of people request copies, people working in similar fields, youth sport. I showcased my ability to understand and use a variety of information across a variety of topics in order to produce potential solutions. The impression I got from my lecturers was that theory is everything and things have to be a certain way, if it wasn't a certain way, it wasn't any good. But when I got out into the real world, I realised how my approach was actually good. Being able to comprehend theory and be able to apply it a adaptable way. Because in the real world, every situation and person is different, adaptability and humility are crucial. Rigidity doesn't work, you never know everything, anything could be disproven at any moment.

Tell us about your experience since leaving Cardiff Met.

On graduation day, I said hello to lecturers that were there, who were supportive of me (whom I'd like to thank) and left early due to work. I was helping to organise and run a Talent ID event for Bristol Rovers Academy. I've learned a lot about myself, people and life since leaving. I'm now looking into doing a Masters in Sport Psychology in the future, as this is a huge area of interest for me. I've learned more useful knowledge in reading books since leaving, than learning in my lectures. That's not to say one way is right, or better than another. For me, and my learning style, who I am, university didn't do much for me. That's the beauty of life, everyone is different and requires a different method of learning. This is a topic which is being focussed on and utilized much more in elite sporting environments, individual development. The world is changing, generalized approaches are becoming less and less effective. I've become an FA Level 2 Coach and Scout since leaving and have been recommended to get on both the Level 3 courses ASAP. Once done, I have opportunities waiting for me, which I'm very fortunate and happy about. I'm proud of the way I conduct myself and am enjoying the process of learning my trade and gaining a positive reputation as a result. My idea is to complete my Level 3's before planning a new life in Spain to coach football and complete my Level 4 and Pro coaching license in a new culture. I've already begun learning Spanish, but my plan's aren't rigid. I have multiple clear visions which allows for a plethora of opportunities. You can never close every door and be selective, have plans but be fluid and go with it.

If you could offer a piece of advice, a tip or simply some words of encouragement to fellow members of the Cardiff Met community, what would it be?

The biggest lesson I could give anyone, take the time to understand something/someone and approach the situation in the most effective and efficient way for that individual/situation. Theory are the tools, context is how you use them. Do the right things and the right people will notice. Figure out who you are, what's important to you as a person, not a worker. Don't let life pass you by through overworking. Work to live, not live to work.

Rangdatt Joshi
Masters MBA
Class of 2012

Where are you at the moment?

After my graduation I have started working in IT company as business consultant where I have worked 5 years and now I am currently working for Ministry of defence and also I am standing for councillor in upcoming local election.

Tell us about your time at Cardiff Met.

It was an amazing period during my postgraduate study, Dr Robert James Thomas was my supervisor who literally help me lot in my final dissertation each and every step he guided me really well and because of his help I had achieved great success in my life his guidance always helpful for me. I missed my campus day my lectures group activities etc. I really would like to meet my supervisor who helped me lot and because of him I am on this stage.

Tell us about your experience since leaving Cardiff Met.

After my graduation I have achieved so many miles stone in my life, currently standing as candidate in local election, working as civil service, have been nominated for Harrow heroes, got 7 award for my work towards community which made me so much proud by my self.

If you could offer a piece of advice, a tip or simply some words of encouragement to fellow members of the Cardiff Met community, what would it be?

Cardiff Met given me stage which I had never thought in my life and because of hard work and strong support of Cardiff met teachers and staff I had achieved lot in my life, I am happy to be mentors of Cardiff met future students.

Meryl M Williams
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences
Class of 2020

Where are you at the moment?

Currently I am a published author with two books selling on Amazon.co.uk. I promote my work on social media and also organize poetry events to raise money for charity. I have recovered from mental health and one of my previous works was inspired by my scientific studies. My honours project was helpful in my attaining posts in medical research and I have worked in the USA. I live quietly in Bath now and I am working on an historical novel set during the second world War.

Tell us about your time at Cardiff Met.

I was inspired to study Biomedical science after a visit to the diagnostic laboratory at East Glamorgan Hospital. I had a keen interest in biology and was attracted to the location of Llandaff. My most enduring memory is of the College choir singing Christmas carols in Llandaff Cathedral. I learnt fascinating facts about human disease and health which have also stayed with me throughout the years. I met many wonderful people both staff and friends. The opportunity to work in a 'real' research environment at Velindre Hospital was also invaluable experience during my final year. There were many happy moments such as making new friends at the fresher’s party and despite challenges since I believe that it was training for life.

Tell us about your experience since leaving Cardiff Met.

On leaving Llandaff I took a research position in London then completed my PhD in Bone Cell Biology in Bath. My time was enlivened by colleagues who felt that the course I had trained in was very relevant. It was an enjoyable time with visits to conferences abroad and nationally where I saw former colleagues from Velindre. The work was demanding but I loved it. On qualifying with my PhD I achieved an academic exchange to the Health Science Centre at San Antonio Texas but it was there I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I returned to Bath and became a poet then an author after taking part in creative writing courses. Seven books have been published in total but for me the most important thing is giving pleasure to my readers. I have some loyal customers who buy my books each time a new one appears and it's true that feedback is more valuable than cash.

If you could offer a piece of advice, a tip or simply some words of encouragement to fellow members of the Cardiff Met community, what would it be?

Follow your dream and stay focused because there will be detractors as well as supporters. Stay positive and always believe in yourself. Remember that you are a child of the universe, and your opinions are just as valid and remember the words of Rudyard Kipling in his poem "If". Treat triumph and disaster the same.

Ronnie Krupa
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences
Class of 2020

Where are you at the moment?

I went full time with tutoring which has furthered into life coaching, starting my own limited company, currently in hiring process of first 5 employees, goal of 25 by the end of the year and building each year on, collaborating on children's book with published author, becoming an examiner, getting Msc, joining Flourish Project to help underprivileged children, investing in first property (cash purchased), being 23 and not even finished masters and being in the Higher tax rate bracket, being my own boss, changing lives every day, working on motivational book, goal of psychology degree by age 30.

Tell us about your time at Cardiff Met.

The university welcomed me with open arms, all teachers were always supportive, accessible, easy to get on with. Some of the skills I learnt to this day I use during tutoring and business growth. Key memories have allowed me to prosper the way I have inclusive of learning the value of collaborative work in Strategic Management, how competition works in Microeconomics, how to programme using R studio in Econometrics. Without those, my mind wouldn’t work the way it does today.

Tell us about your experience since leaving Cardiff Met.

I have found a passion for leadership, changing mindsets, increasing confidence and helping other reach their potential. I learnt through my peers at Met that a job I have should be one I look forward to everyday. And mine has been exactly that; starting tutoring before university had been a source of extra income, however I noticed with time how much satisfaction and excitement I get from contributing to someone's success. Through this I have been able to prosper into a sought-after tutor, being highlighted with the companies I work with, and eventually setting up my own company of which success has no limits. Amazing opportunities have come along the way, and I have met incredible people; I have moved in with one of the families at their request and have a two year upcoming contract with a home schooling student I am taking on. I have made friends, expanded knowledge and opened my horizons. With all of this bliss, little moments of upset are easily overcome when taking a moment to think about the good.

If you could offer a piece of advice, a tip or simply some words of encouragement to fellow members of the Cardiff Met community, what would it be?

I am a strong believer in the law of attraction and how whatever you give out, you get back. This particularly relates to your mindset. Everything I do is through my strong desire to spread the feeling of “I can do this”. This is a mindset and a work in progress, which I am invested into proliferating. I believe that if you can believe you can do something then you can; it needs to start with confidence and with you.

Frederick Chukwuemeka Izuchukwu Onwuzuruoha
MSc Occupational Safety Health and Wellbeing
Class of 2022

Where are you at the moment?

I am a Masters graduate in Occupational Safety, Health and Wellbeing.

Tell us about your time at Cardiff Met.

Coming to Cardiff Met in September of 2020 during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, settling down was difficult but with the professional team in global engagement they helped to guide us through. Also, the academic staff in Occupational Safety, Health and Wellbeing really did well to support us throughout the online learning. They knew how difficult it was for many to cope without face-to-face classes especially not meeting up with fellow students, they were always supportive, encouraging us thereby making every online class session interesting and worthwhile. Before we finished our programme the academic team on my course arranged some face-to-face meetings which gave us the opportunity to meet some of our tutors and students. This created a good memory.

Tell us about your experience since leaving Cardiff Met.

At this point I am excited because of the knowledge acquired during this time studying at Cardiff Met. I am very optimistic about the future, and I am planning on staying back in the UK to apply for jobs in my profession which I am confident I will get. Though it was not an easy journey, but I am glad it shaped me to the man I have become today. I know I will make Cardiff Metropolitan University proud someday.

If you could offer a piece of advice, a tip or simply some words of encouragement to fellow members of the Cardiff Met community, what would it be?

Never give up on your dreams, no matter how long it takes. With will and skills, you can achieve anything.

Rachel Price
MA Education: Additional Learning Needs
Class of 2022

Where are you at the moment?

I am currently working as Primary Teacher after graduating in 2016 from Cardiff Met with a PGCE. This year I graduated with a Masters in Education with ALN. I am hoping to use this to work towards extra responsibilities in my work and to broaden my horizons within the field of education! I am trying to encourage more people to sign up for the Masters course as well as exploring further research possibilities in the field of additional learning needs.

Tell us about your time at Cardiff Met.

I initially started in 2012 on a BA(Hons) Educational Studies and Early Childhood Studies degree with the hopes of enrolling on the PGCE Primary... a goal I reached in 2015! After graduating as a teacher in 2016 I embarked on a career path in the same school that Cardiff Met linked me with on teacher training placement. I chose the course and university as I felt that the tutors and staff were supportive of all interests, they made me feel like my academic journey meant something and encouraged me to spread my wings! The lecturers on both my Undergrad and PGCE made lasting impressions that made me want to choose Cardiff Met for my Masters qualification. After attending an open day and speaking with more tutors, I knew it was the right thing to do! Starting a newly created course that would allow me to explore additional learning needs with knowledgeable, enthusiastic people was something that excited me. I have gotten so much relevant, useful experience from all of my degrees that I have been able to transfer my skills confidently to the world of work and support the young children in my class with a positive mental attitude! I feel that all of the Cardiff Met staff are like extended family that I could go back to for help if I ever needed it!

Tell us about your experience since leaving Cardiff Met.

Since graduating from Cardiff Met I have been in full time employment in the school that I was placed in for student placement on my PGCE. The school I am in harnesses a community feeling and they made me feel so welcome when I started - much like the feeling I have always had at Cardiff Met. University taught me to grasp every opportunity and to never be embarrassed of your interests and to explore every avenue with the enthusiasm you naturally possess! This is a feeling that I try to give the students I teach, a feeling of acceptance and pride. Teaching and also being a student during Covid has been a huge challenge but the support and flexibility from all of my tutors during my Masters journey made me feel I could still accomplish the degree whilst working full time! I am using my new degree knowledge, paired with knowledge from my previous two degrees to work towards promotion in work to support SLT with implementing new frameworks and policies. There are exciting times ahead!

If you could offer a piece of advice, a tip or simply some words of encouragement to fellow members of the Cardiff Met community, what would it be?

Never be afraid to express yourself! You are your own biggest fan and you own advocate, use your powers wisely. Don't be afraid to dream and to seek help when you need it. Trust your lecturers and peers with your problems, you are probably not the only person feeling the way you do! Be positive and tackle every challenge like it is your first - you can do it! I promise!

Jessica Boland
BA Hons Education Studies and ELT
Class of 2020

Where are you at the moment?

For the last year I've been working as Student Support and Welfare Manager for a private English Language school on the South Coast! It's a wonderful job filled with unexpected challenges! However, in the new year I'll be taking on a new role with Pearson, in Student Support; for students studying online masters degree's in Kings Collage London!

Tell us about your time at Cardiff Met.

My first experience of Cardiff Met was attending the wrong course talk on open day (I originally applied for primary studies) and being so interested in the Education and ELT course that I rang up admissions the same day to ask to change my course! I hadn't learnt any grammar in school, so doing my CELTA in 2nd year also gave me the chance to learn that by default! During my time in University I really developed my love of teaching and my understanding of how education really impacts people. Thanks to the student network in Cardiff Met, I was able to get my first job as an English teacher in a European Summer School In Malta!

Tell us about your experience since leaving Cardiff Met.

After finishing my undergraduate degree I worked as an English Teacher in Switzerland. I then came back to Cardiff Met and did a Masters Degree in TESOL. For my dissertation I took a position working as a teacher in a quarantine camp for students travelling into the UK from countries on the amber list and investigated the impact living under quarantine conditions had on second language acquisition. The company that ran the quarantine schools then reached out to me and invited me to work in one of their UK schools, running student support, welfare, and logistics! It's an amazing job and I've had so many opportunities for once in a lifetime experiences with it! However I'm now moving into working in Higher Education and plan on using my own experience studying a masters degree online to help others!

If you could offer a piece of advice, a tip or simply some words of encouragement to fellow members of the Cardiff Met community, what would it be?

Always pursue unexpected opportunities as that's where the best experiences tend to be found! Take each challenge in university as a learning opportunity, instead of a sign of failure. The modules I struggled with the most ended up being the ones I enjoyed the most, because of the sense of achievement I felt on completing them!

Carly Emsley-Jones
Masters in Sport Development and Coaching
Class of 2011

My name is Carly Emsley-Jones and I graduated from Cardiff Metropolitan University in 2011 with a Masters in Sport Development and Coaching which was based at Cyncoed Campus. Following this I told myself my time as a student was over as I headed into my graduate job as a Sport Development Officer.

A few years later, I was invited to return to Cardiff Met to deliver a guest lecture to sport students, providing them with an insight to my role and to share my experience. Little did I know, the buzz I had from delivering this one guest lecture eventually led to me returning to Cyncoed to complete a PGCE in Post-Compulsory Education and Training and I graduated in July 2014. I was by no means academically gifted in school but by the time I was 25 I had completed a BSc, MA and PGCE (I know what you are thinking, all that student discount...it was great!).

I hold fantastic and happy memories of my time as a student at Cardiff Met, I made some life-long friends and received outstanding academic support throughout (Bev Smith, John Rawlins, Rhiain Burberry and Leanne Davies to name a few!). The PGCE qualification enabled me to work as a Football Association of Wales Safeguarding Tutor and a Sport Lecturer at Coleg Y Cymoedd alongside my role in Sport Development (you could say I like to keep myself busy), opportunities which wouldn’t have been possible without it.

My career pathway took a turn in 2017 as I started a role as a Project Officer for Cardiff University leading on the Mentoring Scheme and delivering their Academic Study Skills Programme. I always had a personal interest surrounding employability so when a job was advertised at Cardiff Met as a Careers Consultant, I was excited at the prospect of working in Careers and in turn submitted my application. I was successful and appointed in February 2019 – I was back home but this time as a staff member!

As part of my role, I am responsible for supporting students who are studying Health Science, Technology and Social Policy related programmes and this may be through 1:1 guidance appointments, in-curriculum lectures and employer insight events. Topics include exploring career options, applying for further study or even support with job applications. Working in this role during Covid-19 has been challenging yet interesting; we have moved our services online and are still able to support the students from the comfort of our own home (although, my cat likes to gate-crash some webinars).

I have been a Careers Consultant for nearly two years and have just completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Careers Education, Information and Guidance in Higher Education at Warwick University (I have given up saying “never again” in relation to studies now!).

In terms of words of wisdom from me, remember that your career pathway may not be linear and that’s completely ok, the transferrable skills you will have gained present you with options. Don’t be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone, work in a different industry, meet new people, delve into new challenges and take risks because if you don’t, you’ll never reap the rewards.

Maurice Hoskins
BSc (Hons) Applied Human Nutrition
Class of 1999

Tell us about your time at Cardiff Met

After a varied employment experience, mostly in England, with bouts of unemployment and near homelessness, I moved to Wales, met my future wife and we settled here. In the past, friends had often said that I ought to study for a degree, but I did not feel I was capable. I had failed both English Language and Mathematics at O Level at school, even though I managed to pass them at college in Bristol the following year. Thus I barely considered further academic study for many years.

My wife, a teacher, however, encouraged me to see whether I could find a suitable course. I was accepted on the Access course at what was the Cardiff Institute of Higher Education (which became UWIC of course). Passing with very good marks, I was then able to consider my options. Eventually I asked to be allowed onto the Nutrition and Dietetics course, which was headed up by Mary Barasi. I believe they catered for ten percent admittance for mature students, of which I was definitely one! Having found chemistry and biology of interest at school and college in Bristol and behavioural studies at basic level later in life, the course seemed appropriate. Indeed it was.

The first year was fairly straightforward for me, as a mature student with life experiences. I was able also to encourage the younger students when they seemed to need it. It became rather more challenging of course, but I had expected that. Sometimes I did well, other times not so much, but never having to re-do anything. Ultimately, I was given the chance of being awarded the higher Second Class degree with a viva voce. So pleased to have achieved that.

Tell us about your experience since leaving Cardiff Met

Although I had worked for Companies House in Cardiff immediately prior to studying for the degree, I did not manage to find employment straight away. My wife had a full-time job teaching here in Wales, so we did not want to move particularly. Also, we liked where we were living.

Eventually, I got a temporary job at the Health Promotion Library at Llanishen through an agency. They seemed to like me and took me on permanently subsequently. Strangely, I ended up in one of the places recommended by the tutors for valuable resources for study, which I had probably visited! We were a small team (four) with varying employment schedules. Thus, I was often on my own in the library in the latter part of the day. As well as the requirement for good quality customer service (academics, student nurses, Government employees), I took charge of the complete academic journal collection. I also provided searches and papers as required by those working for the Department for Health at Cathays Park.

After six years of this work, I felt I had to retire because I had been dealing with my wife’s illness and, sadly, death at only 53 years of age. Although I returned to work, it simply was not good for me at that time. Fortunately and by chance and good management from above I was offered voluntary early retirement (I was employed as a Civil Servant because the library at that time was administered by the Welsh Assembly Government). The library is now defunct, but I have no doubt the degree helped me greatly in my employment there. During my early retirement I volunteered for five years with a local charity involved with the elderly.

Where are you at the moment?

I am now retired and widowed, living in Wales. My two siblings live in England.

If you could offer a piece of advice, a tip or simply some words of encouragement to fellow members of the Cardiff Met Community, what would it be?

Keep going! Accept the challenge. It’s only three years, which goes by so quickly. The end point is well worth all that effort. Once achieved, no-one can take that away from you.

Adi Asmawi Adanan
HND Sport Development and Coaching
Class of 2012

Tell us about your time at Cardiff Met

Initially, Cardiff Met was not my primary choice but thankfully I received an unconditional offer to do the course, which was the main reason why I finally chose Cardiff Met. My time in Cardiff Met was unforgettable.

Being an international student, it was quite challenging at first to blend in with the crowd. The students in Cardiff Met, especially in Cardiff School of Sport were very welcoming and I was able to cope with the change in environment quite well. There were a lot of Bruneians studying in Cardiff Met as well, so it always felt like home. I did not stay in the on-campus student accommodation as I opted to rent a house with my three other fellow Bruneians who studied at Cardiff School of Management in Llandaff campus.

I was part of the Cardiff Met Athletics Team, specialising in short sprints. I also had the opportunity to be part of the Cardiff Archers Junior Athletics Club as an assistant coach, coaching the younger children at the grassroots level. I will forever cherish the memories I had during my time in Cardiff Met.

Tell us about your experience since leaving Cardiff Met

After graduating from Cardiff Met, I realised the opportunity to become a coach was very slim as there was a lack of demand at that time so I chose to join the Army instead. The skills, knowledge and experience I gained during my time in Cardiff definitely helped me during my Officer Cadet training. I was very fortunate to receive the ‘Best Academic’ award after graduating from Officer Cadet School.

Thanks to technology, I have been keeping in touch with my fellow Welsh friends from Cardiff Met via social media even when we are in different continents and time zones. I will definitely come back to visit Cardiff in the future.

Where are you at the moment?

I am currently a Communications Officer serving in the Royal Brunei Land Force. Looking back at my academic qualifications, it has nothing to do with my current career. However, the experience gained in Cardiff Met was valuable, particularly in my personal development as well as the knowledge that I acquired. Happily married to my beautiful wife Fairuz Madinah and blessed with a lovely son, Ahmad Ilyasa.

If you could offer a piece of advice, a tip or simply some words of encouragement to fellow members of the Cardiff Met Community, what would it be?

One thing I learnt throughout the years is that people will have different journeys throughout their life. Some will have a straight path and some will experience a long-winding road. Eventually, you will reach your destination. You just have to focus on your goals and always aim for the best.

Kieran Joseph
BSc Sport and Physical Education
Class of 2015

Tell us about your time at Cardiff Met

My time as a student at Cardiff Met was a life-highlight! I loved my course because it enabled me to learn concepts within Physical Education, Sport and wider Societal issues that I was passionate about. As the School of Sport Student Rep in my 2nd year, it was an honour to gather and project the voice of all the students in the School of Sport and to see the Academic and SU staff implement actions in ‘real-time’! We had fun through Open Mic Nights in the Centro SU Bar, welcoming students from all campus’ and Schools – we would have 200-250 people attend on some events!

I enjoyed leading the ‘Christians-in-Sport’ group and being an active member of the Christian Union, being a part of various events that occurred across the campuses that blessed many people. Peers and I had a lot of fun in practical modules that took us from the Basketball courts to the Swimming pool to the Gymnasium! This led to me gathering quite a few Coaching qualifications and experiences that fed into my next chapter as a PE teacher and beyond! Tuesday and Wednesday nights at Revs led to some outrageous shapes being thrown down on the dancefloor.

The highlights continue to roll and roll to the extent where a short article does not do justice! All the way up to a Sunny Summer Graduation at the Millennium Centre in July 2015! It was an honour to be awarded the ‘best all-round undergraduate male in the Cardiff School of Sport’ but the friends and experiences I gained along the way were of greater value.

Tell us about your experience since leaving Cardiff Met

I graduated then moved a month later to Nottingham to do a School Direct Secondary PE PGCE. A year later, I moved to Coventry after being successful in gaining a role as a Secondary PE Teacher in a diverse, inner-city School. During my 2nd and 3rd year of teaching, I completed by MA in Education part-time through the University of Nottingham.

Whilst I am honoured to be able to celebrate degrees and jobs, there have been many other formative experiences that have shaped who I am today. One of those collective experiences has been the ‘Football, Faith and Community’ work that I was able to engage with during my degree and afterwards. Three notable highlights have been able to lead work: 1. Less than a mile from Cyncoed Campus on ‘Glenwood [Church] Soccer School’ in 2014 and 2015; 2. Leading a Refugee Soccer Camp in Seattle for Ambassadors Football International and the International Rescue Committee in 2018; 3. Delivering training in Rwanda and South Africa for Ambassadors Football in 2019.

In Autumn 2019, I decided to hand in my resignation (due to feeling God wanted me to step into a new chapter of life – my faith and trust in God leads all that I do). This set me on a trajectory to cease teaching at Easter 2020, without knowing that ‘coronavirus’ was alive and active! Long-story-short, I created a Basketball and Mental Health programme that is called "Guardian Ballers". I will be working in partnership primarily with Coventry and Warwickshire Mind to begin delivering this programme in Secondary Schools in Coventry from January 2021. Periodically and strategically, I will support work locally and internationally (Rwanda and potentially Lebanon) which using Sport or Charitable resources to help vulnerable communities.

Where are you at the moment?

I am living in Coventry and am about to embark on a new chapter of life as the "Founder and Director of Guardian Ballers" (a Mental Health and Basketball programme for children and young people in partnership with CW Mind). I am also acting as an "International Community Sport Developer" by supporting work in Rwanda.

If you could offer a piece of advice, a tip or simply some words of encouragement to fellow members of the Cardiff Met Community, what would it be?

Know that you are a ‘work-in-progress’: Always have grace for yourself when things don’t work out how you’d hoped. But continue to progress, put one foot in front of the other towards the things that you are passionate about.

Pursue vision: ‘Dare to dream’ by writing down your vision for your life (on whatever medium). Then take time periodically, maybe annually/termly/monthly to reflect on your journey so far.

Choose joy and thankfulness, often and always. In every season, choose to find the things that give you joy and find things that you can be thankful for.

Kirsty Hillitt
BSc Biomedical Science
Class of 2016

Tell us about your time at Cardiff Met

My time at Cardiff Met was enlightening. It gave me the freedom to develop into the independent adult that I am today. I’ll always remember the friends that I made and the opportunities I got to develop my scientific knowledge and experience. I was fortunately given the opportunity to spend 10 weeks with Dr Mike Beeton to assess the antimicrobial activity of Manuka Honey against Ureaplasma SPP which is now a publish scientific article for people to read and assess for their own future research. I also got the opportunity to be a course representative and the voice of students for educational and social purposes.

Tell us about your experience since leaving Cardiff Met

As a Quality Officer, I use my problem-solving skills day to day to ensure that drugs are produced to the highest standards to maintain product quality and patient safety. I have built a career in treating patients but a different branch to hospital. I never have even considered a career in pharmaceuticals – I always thought I would be working in a hospital laboratory (which is also an amazing job opportunity) but I didn’t realise the wide opportunities that a degree in Biomedical Science could present.

Where are you at the moment?

I currently work at a pharmaceutical company as a quality assurance officer and use my scientific knowledge and expertise in the manufacture, packaging and quality of pharmaceuticals. The university gave me the ability to be in a position to buy my house at 23, to be able to progress quickly in my career. I am happy and content and grateful for where I am right now and the opportunities Cardiff Met gave me.

If you could offer a piece of advice, a tip or simply some words of encouragement to fellow members of the Cardiff Met Community, what would it be?

Keep your options open! Your degree provides you with the knowledge but also a range of transferable skills which can allow you to develop a career anywhere. Be patient as well, your hard work will pay off.

Halyna Soltys
BSc Psychology
Class of 2020

Tell us about your time at Cardiff Met

University was one of the best experiences of my life and I miss it so much. Despite the challenges that I faced, I thoroughly enjoyed being pushed and being part of an inclusive and diverse community at Cardiff Met.

Before university, I felt lost. I was unsure what I wanted to do as a career, where I wanted to go, or who I wanted to become. I decided to enrol onto the BSc (Hons) Psychology course because Psychology was the subject that I was most interested in at A-level. I didn’t want to study something I’d never studied before and thought that you can’t go half wrong with studying how people think, feel and behave.

It didn’t take me long to find my feet when starting at Cardiff Met. I decided it was time to take ownership of my experiences and opportunities. Over my 3 years at the university, I became a proactive member of the Psychology society and president of the LGBT+ society. I even went on a cultural exchange to Athens as part of my course.

Whilst at university, I got a job as a Student Ambassador and Student Blogger at Cardiff Met. Through these jobs, I realised my love of marketing, digital media and communications. However, I was so unsure how to get from my degree into a job in the field. As much as I was interested in psychology and loved studying it, I was unsure what I was going to do afterwards. I spent a lot of my university journey trying to find a way to link my love of psychology to digital media.

However, with the support of fantastic lecturers and opportunities to upskill, I felt increasingly confident that I was able to get a job in a field I love.

Tell us about your experience since leaving Cardiff Met

I graduated in 2020, but still haven’t had the opportunity to walk across the stage in cap and gown due to the pandemic. As much as this is disappointing, I became increasingly resilient during university and understand that this is for the best in the current circumstance. Despite a difficult final year, I graduated with a first class honours – I’m still so proud of myself!

I have been fortunate enough to land myself a position doing a job that I love with like-minded people. I am able to mix my love of psychology, working with young people and creating digital content and call it work!

Where are you at the moment?

After completing my degree during the pandemic in 2020, I continued to volunteer virtually with an organisation that I did a work experience placement with for my course. I’m happy to say that I have just been offered a job within the third sector organisation!

I’m happily working remotely within their Multimedia and Communication department to engage young people in Cardiff through digital content – social media, trainings, events etc.

If you could offer a piece of advice, a tip or simply some words of encouragement to fellow members of the Cardiff Met Community, what would it be?

The biggest piece of advice I could give you is to get involved with as much as you can whilst at university. There are so many opportunities available to you throughout your university experience.

Whether you’d like to learn to knit, become an Excel expert, or run a society – there’s something for everyone at Cardiff Met. Grab those opportunities by both hands and don’t let go.

Sasha Noah
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
Class of 2021

Where are you at the moment?

I’ve just graduated with a first class degree in BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science this year, and this coming September I will be starting my Master of Research in Biomedical Science at Cardiff Met.

Beyond Masters I plan to study at PhD level and so am currently familiarising myself with research opportunities in the neurology field and considering what occupational roles I can go for now that I have my undergraduate degree and soon to get my postgraduate degree in the next year.

Tell us about your time at Cardiff Met

Truth be told, Cardiff Met was not the institution I thought I would end up studying in. To this day, however, I could not be more grateful to study at an incredibly supportive, diverse and welcoming institution. By the end of 3yrs I have developed much more confidence and self-belief in myself and my personal/professional qualities that have been uplifted enormously.

Friends that I have made for life, lecturers who inspire me everyday and a careers department that is second to none have made my university experience thus far, pretty extraordinary. I have always been interested in how multifaceted and ever-changing science is, so for me there was really no doubt in choosing my undergraduate discipline!

It was not until my 3rd year when I realised how much I enjoyed research and being able to not just critically evaluate research but also perform my own research. Biomedical Science is a challenging degree which really does require you to become more sophisticated and organised with the ways in which you approach study. However, it is incredible how much your skills transform over 3yrs and, interestingly enough even studying remotely due to COVID-19 certainly made me a better student!

University allowed me to gain the confidence to interact with many different people and, being a student representative over 3yrs and getting to collaborate with Cardiff Met SU further allowed me to see what a caring community Met has.

Even being under COVID-19 for 1.5/3yrs, Met still cared and delivered exceptionally even whilst being socially distanced (however I would like to think that now I am quite the expert at Microsoft Teams!). I will never forget that I was able to achieve my degree, during a global pandemic. That, all in thanks to incredible friends and family who supported me along the way.

Tell us about your experience since leaving Cardiff Met

Once I completed my Yr3 exams I was accepted to undertake an 8-week MRes Summer Scholarship Programme at Cardiff Met. Working in the microbiology sector, I was able to undertake a research project in the laboratory of which I’m currently consolidating and putting together my results. This was an incredible experience especially given that my 3rd year research project was not laboratory-based, and I was able to learn so much during this time which will be highly beneficial for me during MRes.

Despite the fact that the discipline I undertook for this studentship is not what I see myself focusing on during MRes, the amount of transferable skills I have developed and unanimous respect I now have for general laboratories and the associated work has only strengthened my passion for research. Additionally, it has made me realise the many opportunities that exist for biomedical science students and the variety of avenues that are available are practically endless!

If you could offer a piece of advice, a tip or simply some words of encouragement to fellow members of the Cardiff Met Community, what would it be?

Even in difficult times, never stop believing in yourself and your abilities. When you have the tools and the determination to thrive, anything difficult is always possible. Be persistent with your lecturers if you ever need help. Their goal, is to help you succeed so if you are stuck, do not be afraid to let them know! When you start a new year, be as organised as possible. Make a personal timetable, set personal goals for yourself and create a daily routine for yourself so you achieve as much as you can per day. Work hard, but enjoy university too!