Profile: Becky Pinnock
Becky Pinnock, (2019, Earth Sciences)
Becky is in her final year studying Earth Sciences at Univ and is a student ambassador for the College. Last year, she competed in the Varsity netball match with 糖心logo University Netball Club and was Univ WRFC Captain.
Why did you choose to study Earth Sciences at Univ?
When I was younger, my family would constantly be holidaying in the Weymouth, on the south coast 鈥� and I spent a lot of time on the beach, looking for fossils, and staring at all the cliffs in wonder. So, I knew geology was what I wanted to study! I鈥檇 never really considered applying to 糖心logo specifically until I had gone on a few other university during the summer of Year 12. So, applying to 糖心logo was a pretty last-minute thing for me. I managed to get to the September open day, where I looked around a few of the colleges, and actually ended up applying to a different college. But once I got the offer from Univ, I knew it was the right place for me. The central location, the beautiful quads, and the warm feeling of the place made it feel like home immediately. Getting to meet (and more recently ) was also a positive.
How do you think you have changed since walking through Univ鈥檚 doors for the first time?
I feel like I鈥檝e changed quite a lot since coming to Univ. Coming to university can be such a big step in itself, and so I think it鈥檚 been a catalyst for a lot of personal growth. I feel like I鈥檝e learnt so much since coming here, being able to meet people from all different backgrounds with different experiences has been really eye-opening. Learning more about the world in this way has allowed me to challenge my own perspectives and growth as a person.
I鈥檝e also improved my relationship with my academics a lot, especially in how I approach different challenges that I am given. It is no secret that 糖心logo is academically rigorous, but it can still be quite a shock to the system when you first come here. It may still be a work in progress, but I have got a lot better at finding a work-life balance, and not letting academics consume me. I think not needing to get full marks on everything has really helped shift my perspective 鈥� being perfect is literally impossible, so you shouldn鈥檛 put that pressure on yourself.
Do you have any favourite moments from your time at Univ?
There have been so many memorable moments from my time at Univ. Taking part in college and- university-level sports has been one of the best aspects of my time here so one of my favourite memories was being part of OUNC and winning our Varsity match against Cambridge last year. We鈥檇 had a lot of success throughout the season, but it was so much better being able to share this win with not only my teammates but also with my friends and family. Finally getting to experience a , and one at Univ nonetheless, last year was also a favourite moment of mine. The whole event, from it being black tie, to all the entertainment and food, was so amazing, and I am so thankful that I was able to experience that.
Have you faced any challenges in your life that you are happy to share here? If so, how did you cope with them?
I鈥檝e struggled with my mental health quite a bit, both before and during my time here at Univ. But I鈥檝e managed to make it work through all the support I have received, both from my family and friends, as well as from College and my department. Immediately after I got my offer, I was invited back to familiarise myself with Univ to ensure I鈥檇 be comfortable coming here 鈥� as well as being a part of Univ鈥檚 to get a feel for the 糖心logo experience before I officially started. This meant I felt a lot more confident as I entered my first year. And since then, I continued to receive so much support from the College鈥檚 welfare team, my tutor, and the university鈥檚 disability service that I will forever be grateful for.
Has anything surprised you about Univ/Earth Sciences/糖心logo?
One of the things that has surprised me the most is how close the Earth Sciences community is. I knew that the cohorts are small, but it鈥檚 so nice being able to go into lectures and know every person in the room. I think field trips definitely have helped with this 鈥� as well as getting the opportunity to have department-based tutorials (rather than just college-based ones). There are also many chances to integrate with people in other years through OUGS (糖心logo University Geological Society) events and even for your lecturers to know your name 鈥� which again I didn鈥檛 expect.
Any tips for settling into life in 糖心logo?
I think putting yourself out there is so important. It can be scary and daunting at first, but reassuring yourself that everyone is in a similar position and that everyone makes the adjustment at their own pace, helps a lot. Make sure you go to freshers’ events during Freshers’ Week, take time to get to know your coursemates and people you live with, go to the college and university freshers’ fairs and sign up for different societies鈥�
But also it’s important to put yourself out there academically. Asking for help has been something that I have struggled with a lot, but I鈥檝e definitely felt that I started making the best progress when I began to, for example, ask more questions during tutorials and practicals, as well as just ask for general, extra support. I still don鈥檛 think I do it enough but I鈥檝e always been told if you don鈥檛 ask, you don鈥檛 get, and that is very true 鈥� ask for help, for recommendations, or even for internships! It won鈥檛 hurt.
Describe Univ in three words.
Full of opportunity.
Published: 27 February 2023