Hi my name is Grace and I'm a 2024 Laidlaw Scholar. I'm currently studying Liberal Arts at the University of Leeds, and am going into my second year in September. I'm a Politics major, however due to the nature of liberal arts, I can confidently say that my interests stretch beyond boxes and disciplines! 

I've always had a passion to understand more about the education system I find myself in, and questioning the ways in which its design could be improved or adapted. University so far has made me realise that education can have many different shapes and forms, and that learning experiences can be fostered in so many different ways. This passion inspired me to apply for the research project 'Mapping Capstone Projects in Sustainability programs'. 

Before starting this journey, I had no idea what a capstone project was, and had never done any work in the field of sustainability. I am currently half way through my research project, and am thoroughly enjoying learning about an area I have not been exposed to before. 

Most importantly, for this initial post, I want acknowledge how the program has been for me on a personal level. Before the first residential, I was seriously debating whether I felt I could take part in the Laidlaw Scholarship program. Ultimately, it all came down to a feeling of being overwhelmed: by the research task I needed to complete and the expectations I was partly pushing onto myself. I can already say that this experience has challenged me, and it's only just starting. I hope, in the future, I can look back on this post and thank myself for trusting my capabilities and sticking with his journey.

I am exited for the opportunities that this program will offer me, and will approach everything with a sense of passion, energy and most importantly kindness - to myself and those I will be fortunate enough to work with.