Foxearth Meadows interview: Rosy M

Just over two years ago, Rosy spent a week with school friend Emma doing work experience at Foxearth Meadows. Now she is in her A-level year and has a conditional offer to read Natural Sciences at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. Andy asked her some questions.

Rosy, what are your strongest memories of your week at Foxearth Meadows?

I really enjoyed every moment of it, but my strongest memories are:

• listening to and identifying a huge variety of birds.

• learning how to coppice willow trees and making a bird hide.

• testing the pond water, which involved using chemistry knowledge.

Has the experience influenced you since?

Before my work experience I was undecided whether I wanted to study a language degree or pursue a scientific career. This definitely helped me realise that I want to study science subjects – I even changed the A levels I was planning on doing to allow this to happen! I was fascinated by seeing the application of what I learn about. This insight into conservation will really help me in the future!

Tell us about your uni plans, what you look forward to and any hopes and dreams for the future.

After a gap year I will go on to study Natural Sciences. This is a varied science course where everything is interlinked. Following this, I hope to work studying fungi, a keen interest that I have developed since doing work experience.

You’ve got some big plans for your gap year. Tell us what you hope to do.

From August I will be volunteering in Honduras, teaching in a rural primary school. This is with the charity Project Trust. I am very excited as this will also develop my Spanish – which will be very useful for communication as a scientist.

Part of the challenge is raising the necessary funds. How’s that going and how can people help to see you over the line?

To take up this placement, I have to fundraise £6950. I am already 80% of the way there but if anyone would like to contribute, I am very grateful for any online donations via this link.

What would you say to anyone who asks about the idea of doing work experience on the reserve?

I would thoroughly recommend it as it is enjoyable and educational. Even if you didn’t think you were interested in conservation, it is valuable and applicable for a whole range of geographical, biological or chemical interests. You never know where life might lead you – it is definitely worth considering.