Lillie's Chester Made Story: An incredible learning experience helped me focus on my passions

My time at the University of Chester, where I completed my undergraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Sciences and graduated in 2019 before returning for an MSc in the Sociology of Sport and Exercise, stands out most for the supportive learning environment and the quality of the lecturers, who were consistently passionate, dedicated and inspiring.

The broad nature of Sport and Exercise Sciences allowed me to explore a wide range of topics and discover where my interests really lay, and a second-year placement as a research assistant was particularly impactful, as it sparked a lasting interest in research as a potential career path. In my third year, being able to choose modules aligned with my interests, particularly in sociology and physical education, helped me focus on my passions and initially led me towards a career in PE teaching. However, my continued interest in the sociological side of sport brought me back to Chester for my Master's, where being part of a small cohort created an incredible learning experience, with lecturers who truly knew and supported us as individuals.

Throughout both my undergraduate and postgraduate studies, the encouragement and guidance I received from staff helped shape who I am today, giving me confidence, direction and a clearer sense of my path and passions, and I genuinely would not be where I am now without their influence.

Since finishing my time at Chester, I am most proud of securing a fully funded PhD at Loughborough University, where I am currently a third-year PhD student researching boys' gendered experiences of physical education, allowing me to combine my long-standing interests in PE and sociology in a meaningful way. What I love most about the work I do now is that it feels purposeful, as my research has the potential to make a real difference by improving understanding of young people's experiences of PE and contributing to more inclusive and supportive practices within education. Being able to work in a space that can positively impact individuals and, more broadly, school communities is incredibly motivating.

Being a Chester graduate means a great deal to me; I loved the city and living there throughout both my undergraduate and Master's degrees, and Chester will always feel like an important part of my journey. My advice to current and future students would be to get involved as much as possible, particularly by taking an active role in lectures and seminars, as that is where you really get the most out of your learning experience, and to make the most of student life beyond the classroom too,  including exploring Chester's incredible food spots, which are very much part of the full university experience.