Kimran Hayer - BSc Biology
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Derby University and would not change a single moment. I got the most out of university, because I balanced academic work with many jobs and schemes that allowed me to enhance my CV. I worked as a student ambassador with Aimhigher, completed the Student Associate Scheme, where I ascertained credits towards Qualified Teacher Status; and completed the mentoring scheme, in which I won the Mentee of the Year Award. The atmosphere at the university is wonderful, the lecturers and staff are very helpful and supportive, which makes life much easier, especially during challenging times on the degree. To be honest, I personally spent so much time at university because I loved being there - the lecturers knew where to find me and my friends, since we occupied the same table at Madisons (equivalent of the school canteen) for three years; on top of that the cooks and staff at Madisons knew exactly what I have for breakfast and how I like my tea - I mean, that is a homely feel!
I have always been told that I talk too much and that when I'm nervous I talk even quicker, so it came at no surprise that the lecturers were nervous for me when I had the opportunity of delivering the Graduate Vote of Thanks at the January Graduation Ceremony. But in fact, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, the limelight was on me and I gave an unforgettable speech, that people are still talking about. That, I must admit, has to have been the highlight at the university, graduating and having the opportunity to talk on behalf of all the graduates.
I am now at Nottingham University doing a PhD in Microbiology, which is demanding. Without the degree in Biology and the skills I have developed as a person along the way, I don't think I would have predicted a couple of years ago that this is what I'd be doing."
