Our event organisers

What was the most valuable lesson you learnt whilst at Durham?
It's hard to pick only one. Durham gave me many valuable lessons in different aspects: socially I've learnt the value of listening and that there are no cultural barriers as long as all opinions are shared with respect; academically and at work, I've learnt that one always has to accept new challenges, regardless of how ready you feel for them, and that the only way to grow is to push oneself a bit further. I never felt 100% ready for leaving my country and comfort-zone to study abroad, or for working in a real UK company for my dissertation, but looking back, those are a couple of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had.

What are your fondest memories of Durham?
My fondest memories of Durham are the moments spent with my international friends. It is always rewarding and enriching to meet people from different countries and cultures, but socializing in a small city like Durham offers more chances of interacting and forming closer bonds. The lectures and seminars gave me the opportunity of working side by side in small groups with people from literally all over the world, on an amazingly enriching and multicultural environment. Moreover, the college system that Durham University offers as an alternative for private accommodation, enhanced the experience by encouraging me to interact in many fun activities such as sports, cheap trips around the UK, watching movies in the common room or simply sharing a beer in the college bar. For me, having studied in such an academically demanding but at the same time traditional, friendly, safe and multicultural environment was a dream came true.

What inspired you to sign up as an alumni volunteer?
As I said before, I treasure the time spent at Durham as one of the best periods of my life, so it's only natural that one wants to give something back to the people and institution that contributed to such a great personal experience. Therefore my motivation to become an alumni volunteer is based on mixed feelings of gratitude towards Durham University, my wish of being forever bound to Durham and the need of 'spreading the word' and increase awareness in Chile about the world-class university that Durham is, and in how much can the “Durham Experience” contribute to Chilean students and managers.