Harrison McLady

What did you enjoy most about your degree programme?

The flexible nature of my course allowed me to explore my academic options and discover what I was passionate about that I didn’t have the option of knowing before I came to University. Doing this helped me develop what I love and let me explore ideas and subjects I wouldn’t have even thought about.

Some of the students we are profiling have been awarded a departmental prize or award in recognition of their exceptional achievements. If this applies to you, please can you tell us about this and what it means to you?

Goldsmith Prize for outstanding contribution to the life of the department and School commendation for outstanding contribution to Department for Politics. For me, I wanted to take every opportunity that I could to ensure that I made my time at Exeter worthwhile. By getting involved with academic representation for Politics, I was able to work alongside all parts of the University. For someone who got involved because he wanted to and had no real desire to win anything as a result, this has come as a complete surprise and has humbled me deeply. I dedicate these prizes to those who got me through the door and supported me along the way during my time at Exeter.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

FXU Rad, Voices, Politics Rep, Subject Chair and Community Chair.

What was the highlight of your time at Exeter?

My Highlight would be sitting on Senate in my second year of studies, the highest decision making body at Exeter. It was an absolute honour to be invited to sit on and allowed me to be a part of the University that most students would not have had the chance to. 

What will you miss the most about University?

Studying at the Cornwall campus has been a real privilege. I’m ready to start the next chapter in my life but I will always have a soft spot for the beach ten minutes away and all the memories I got to make on that little beach I’ll never forget.

What advice would you give to current and future students? (If you are an international student what would you like to tell future students from back home who might be thinking about applying to study in Exeter?)

 To anyone thinking about or soon to start studying at Exeter. Work hard and play hard. But most importantly, take care of yourself and do not compare yourself to others. There were times when things got too much for me and I had to adjust my priorities to make sure I achieved what was required. Take care of yourself, surround yourself with good people and work hard and these will be the best couple years of your life.

What are your plans now that you have graduated?

I am looking forward to the next chapter in my life in Rotterdam for my Masters. I hope to work in the charity sector after that. But my path isn’t completely mapped out so anything can happen!