Anna Batty
Current Employer/Organisation Name
PGCE student (trainee teacher of Chemistry), University of Exeter
Tell us about your background and why you chose to go to university
Born in the Uk and moved to Australia when I was 8. Growing up I enjoyed a range of subjects at school and was a part of many (probably too many!) extracurricular activities. I always had a passion and curiosity for maths and science and one of my science teachers encouraged me to pursue these subjects. This lead me to discovering Natural Sciences and making the journey back to the UK to experience this truly unique and incredible course.
How did being awarded the Global Excellence scholarship make you feel?
I was elated to be recognised as someone who was worthy of such an award. Receiving the award gave me the boost of confidence I needed to start a new life in a new place.
How did winning a Global Excellence scholarship help you with your studies?
It helped me to see myself in a positive light and that I was someone who was capable of academic excellence. I worked hard as I always wanted to do my best. It inspired me to chase knowledge, develop my understanding and believe that I could do it.
Tell us about your experiences in Exeter – living in the city, joining societies, your favourite part of your studies:
Living in halls really helped to build initial friendships and relationships. I decided to join a number of societies which offered a social element and fun enrichment. Exeter itself is a city is big enough to find new places to explore but not so big that it is overwhelming and you constantly feel lost. My favourite part of my studies is a combination that I do feel is a unique strength within Natural Sciences. While offering amazing opportunities, use of incredible facilities and lecturers with passion, the small community has provided me with life long friends both within my year and beyond. They were my family when mine were on the other side of the world.
How have your studies at Exeter helped you on your career journey?
I am still currently studying, I am training to be a teacher of chemistry through the University of Exeter PGCE programme. This is an esteemed course and through the experience I have gained and support from staff I have been able to secure a job for September.
What are your plans for the future?
To be a teacher! I have wanted to pursue this career for a long time, however, the call of the sun in Australia may take me back there at some point, but I will be staying in the UK and in teaching for the foreseeable future.
