Lampeter campus feels like home
For MA Heritage Practice graduate Laura Cait Driscoll enrolling at UWTSD’s Lampeter campus was a natural choice – as it immediately felt like home.
Laura Cait from Talywain said she attended an open day and completely fell in love with the campus.
“The lecturers and staff I met (whether they were porters, lecturers or the Dean of campus) on the day really sold the campus as they were so friendly and welcoming; I just felt instantly at home,” she said.
Laura Cait decided to continue her learning journey at Lampeter after graduating with a BA in history.
“When I did my BA, I realised that I really enjoyed social history and the portrayals within museums settings which lead me to realise that Heritage was the way forward. The lecturers were all passionate about their subject and modules which really sold it for me.”
Laura’s research was based on ‘A Sense of Place: How Museums in Wales Represent Going Back To Our Roots And Sharing Our History Through Food.’ diving into all aspects of Welsh food heritage across the country.
“I enjoyed being able to look more in depth at the different institutions that can foster and promote heritage from tourism to museums and universities themselves.
“Being able to find my academic passion and voice really added to the experience. I also did the degree as a part time distance learner as I worked full time in the Students Union and later PLANED which meant that the course being flexible and accessible online gave me that option of knowing I could continue my education with the lecturers being so supportive.”
The university has played a crucial role in Laura Cait’s development as an individual. She has acquired essential skills and knowledge that has greatly contributed to her growth. Additionally, engaging in extracurricular activities like serving as a part-time officer, photographer for the on-campus rugby team, and volunteering further enhanced her opportunities, connections and experiences. She also helped to launch the ‘Bloody Hell’ campaign on campus to help period poverty.
She added: “The university is such a welcoming place that being able to develop my knowledge of Higher Education structures, being able to talk to all members of staff really helped broaden opportunities.”
Laura Cait currently works for the university in the INSPIRE department as a Civic Engagement Development officer working on projects on the Lampeter and Carmarthen campuses to integrate students more into their communities and through volunteering opportunities.
“Being at Lampeter has helped me fall in love with community engagement as I personally volunteered internally and externally during my degrees and makes me want to work to develop that cohesiveness current and future students could also have.
“Studying Heritage has helped significantly towards my current role as it has enabled me to develop a deep understanding of local history, traditions, and cultural identities. This knowledge helps me to connect with community members on a meaningful level, promoting dialogue, collaboration, and community participation in heritage projects. it has also helped me with advocacy and awareness, project planning and stakeholder engagement, all of which are integral to creating a meaningful connection for students within my role.”
She wants to engage students with community projects and collaboration whilst developing her own skills further. Laura is currently enrolled on to a PgCert in Enterprise skills and an NVQ level 4 in Advice and Guidance to try and adapt her work to support as many people as possible in the future.
“Lampeter is a family. You know most people whether it’s students, staff or the locals. Everyone is part of such a special community that can work together so well.
For me, that’s the perfect environment for me in my academic journey being away from home so it really helped having a special place that was a home from home.
“What’s also super special about Lampeter is how nestled into nature it is, as someone who feels grounded when outdoors having a river and a meadow on campus and then the sea only half an hour away has been perfect for my well-being, especially when I was an undergrad missing home.”
Laura Cait would like to encourage others to study at Lampeter.
“If someone is looking to study at Lampeter, do it. Come and visit our campus first and feel for yourself if this could be your family and your community. If you feel at home, this may be the best place for you. We are surrounded by nature and the campus can be super peaceful. This is such a supportive campus filled with so many amazing and individual people, the support is second to none.
“If you want to study heritage? what better place to do it than the oldest university in Wales which hosts a range of monumental events such as the birthplace of rugby in Wales.
“Make sure you take up all the opportunities you can if you come here and don’t be afraid to reach out to find out more. Embrace your experiences. Lampeter is a small campus, but its voice, its attitude, the people – they’re mighty.”
Further Information
Lowri Thomas
Principal Communications and PR Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07449 998476