The beginning of every remarkable journey is often marked with anticipation and uncertainty, and my venture as a Laidlaw scholar is no different. I started my first-year research project, exploring Electric Vehicle (EV) charge-point infrastructure in West Yorkshire, in collaboration with the WYCA (West Yorkshire Combined Authority); the task at hand seemed very challenging. The research landscape was a labyrinth, intriguing yet intimidating. However,reflecting upon it now, I realise that the labyrinth was not a maze to lose myself, but a path to discover my potential.
The Project
The project was indeed daunting at the start. With the prospect of shaping the future of EV infrastructure, the stakes were high. However, I was fuelled by the compelling challenge the work presented and the opportunity to make an impact. The initial nights were long, filled with extensive literature reviews, data analysis, and countless drafts, during which I had the chance to learn and utilize ArcGIS, a powerful tool in spatial analysis. Yes, there were all-nighters, and at times it felt like I was running an intellectual marathon, the finish line of which seemed like a moving target. Amidst all the hard work, I found comfort in the company of my fellow Laidlaw scholars in the library, which truly made the journey enjoyable and memorable.
The Process
Yet, this process was secretly exciting. The more I gave myself into my research, the more it seemed like a puzzle waiting to be solved. Each dataset I explored, every model I studied, was a piece of that puzzle. The quest to find solutions was demanding and required dedication, yet each step forward was a reinforcement of my resolve. Along the way, I acquired a set of new skills, which will be invaluable in my future endeavours.
The Accomplishment
The end of the research project brought a sense of accomplishment that is hard to articulate in words. The feeling of triumph when I finally submitted my work and subsequently had the chance to present my findings to the WYCA was a testament to the long hours of work and the relentless curiosity that this journey had instilled in me. It was a testament to the invaluable experience this scholarship offered, an experience that went beyond academics and led to personal growth and development.
Looking Back
As I look back, I realize that being a Laidlaw scholar was not just about conducting a research project; it is about embracing the unknown, challenging my own boundaries, and emerging stronger and wiser. This amazing opportunity has laid a strong foundation for my future pursuits and deeply inspired me to always stay strong and determined.
Looking Forward
After this incredible experience, I eagerly anticipate the adventures that the next phase of the Laidlaw programme will bring. After all, the journey has only just begun, and there's an exciting road of discovery ahead, waiting to be traversed.