Jennifer Greaves, BSc Psychology 

What are you currently doing and who are you working for? Can you give a brief description of what you did from graduation up to now?

I currently live and work in Hong Kong. I moved to Hong Kong after graduating and worked for a graduate scheme teaching English in a local primary school for one academic year. After my contract ended I decided to stay in Hong Kong and found a job in a kindergarten. After another year I left Hong Kong and went travelling for six months, travelling from Thailand to London by land. I went back to work at the same kindergarten in Hong Kong, and since then have been training to become a group fitness instructor. I currently work at Pure Fitness in Hong Kong, teaching group classes alongside teaching English. 

Can you give a short outline of the course you studied at the University of Birmingham and how it benefited you?

I studied Psychology at the University of Birmingham and it has benefited me in many ways. Studying developmental psychology has helped me whilst I have been working with children, and particularly as they are learning in their second language, I have been able to apply my studies in cognitive psychology. Now that I teach fitness as well, motivation is highly important and I can apply some of my studies in this area as well. 

How did you find your first year in Birmingham?

My first year was fantastic. I met lots of new and interesting people from all walks of life and learnt lots about life, and about myself. It gave me a huge sense of independence and helped me grow as an individual. I had many opportunities, and joined different sports teams and learnt a new language. 

How did going to University benefit you?

University was one of the best things I ever did. I wouldn't be the same person today had I not been to University. It gave me confidence and helped me become much more independent and learn a lot about myself. I lived away from home for the first time and met so many different people, so it gave me a sense of the real world. As a result of being at University I became a much more determined person, and realized the things I wanted out of life, and the things I didn't want.

How about campus life? Can you describe how it was to study here at Edgbaston Campus rather than in a City Centre location?

Campus life is great because there is that community feel, being surrounded by other students. It helps that Edgbaston campus is beautiful and I had a certain sense of pride as I walked to campus each day. It was nice to be able to live so close to campus and walk there each day. Being a campus university also meant that it was easy to meet up with friends, or be part of the University activities because everything is centrally located. 

How did you find living in Birmingham? Was it how you expected it to be? Have you found the student community here supportive?

I enjoyed living in Birmingham. I lived in Selly Oak and that was great because it was close to campus and easy to get into and out of town. It was similar to how I expected - a lot more fun in fact!

Did you join any student societies or take part in any events?

I joined intra-mural mixed netball and six-a-side football. I was part of the gymnastics and trampolining club, taking part in trampolining competitions for the University. I was also part of the Psychology society. I joined BurnFM, the student radio station and did a morning show with a friend of mine.

Any tips or words of wisdom that you would like to pass on to other students thinking of coming to study here?

Go for it! You won't regret it. University is what you make of it. There are so many opportunities available to you at University. It is a great way to explore, discover and learn. 

What are your aspirations for the future?

In the future, I would like to get more involved in the fitness industry, to help to inspire and motivate the people around me.