The Firebird Volume 3 (2017-18) | Page 16

Student Stories Grey College Trust Awards 2018 Grey College Trust Awards Each year the Grey College Trust supports students in their endeavors DUCK Peru Expedition Virginia Raffaeli: Since return- ing from Peru I have spent time reflecting on what I gained from this experience. I see the five weeks I spent in Peru as having taught me how to be more un- derstanding towards others, for each of our experiences shapes us into the people we become. I believe this project gave me the opportunity to see at first-hand how we can all make a difference. In the future I therefore hope to work for an organisation which works towards this change in order to do my part in provid- ing everyone with the life we all deserve. Italian Lessons Matthew Kirk: The Grey College Trust awarded me funds to take part in one of the Italian lan- guage courses run by the Univer- sity. The reason for my wanting to take this course, and applying to the Trust for funds was that I had received an offer of (and have now started) a postdoctoral research position at La Sapienza University in Rome, following on from my PhD at Grey. Looking to the future, the language course gave me a good base for further courses I intend to undertake here in Rome to build my lan- guage skills in a more formal way, as well as future needs such as finding a new apartment or get- ting involved with local activities. DUCK Borneo Expedition Oliver Quitmann: From July-Sep- tember 2018 I travelled to Borneo with Durham University Charity Kommittee (DUCK) to work with a number of local charities involved in the conservation of turtle and orang-utans. It was a once in a life time experience and I am incredibly grateful for the contri- bution made by the Grey College Trust. Sailing Club, Croatia Trip Natalie Green: The Summer Sail week trip allowed 14 members of DUSC to travel around Croatia by yacht in two yachts, starting in Trogir, travelling to Stari Grad, Vis, Bol and finishing in Hvar. I learned that all marinas are differ- ent and have very different rules depending on the 'vibe' of the city, and whether it was touristy or locals lived by. Meeting other universities on the trip such as the University of Leeds and the University of Manchester was really exciting as we were able to talk about the team racing that we do whilst at university, as well as other sailing experiences that we have had. 16