Andyno's Chester Made Story: Applying practical learning to a project I'm truly proud of

When I think back to my time at the University of Chester, what stands out most is how quickly the city felt like home. Chester is beautifully balanced. It is not overwhelmingly big, yet full of life. Everything I needed was within reach, and because of its close-knit nature, it was easy to integrate and feel a real sense of belonging early on. That mattered deeply to me as an international student navigating a new environment for the first time. 

Academically, my course was well-tailored to meet both my immediate and long-term goals. I particularly remember a module where we were tasked with developing and delivering a full nutrition education session. It gave me the opportunity to apply what we were learning in a practical, hands-on way. One moment that captures this experience well is the photo I have shared, taken during a practical session in the Nutrition Education module. In this session, my teammates and I, who called ourselves the Healthy Habits Champions, took part in a team-building activity where we worked together to build the tallest structure using marshmallows and pasta sticks. While seemingly simple, this activity initiated a connection and engagement beyond formal classroom settings. It was an early opportunity to build strong working relationships and begin collaborating as a team. Now that I think about it, this photo really represents how the course prioritised engagement and hands-on learning, creating space for meaningful interaction and shared problem-solving. And oh, we had a distinction while at it! 

One of my favourite memories at Chester would most definitely be the library. As someone who works best at night, having access to a 24/7 library was a gift. It quickly became my second home, a quiet space where I could focus after long afternoon walks and explorations around the city. That flexibility helped me manage my time well and meet deadlines without breaking my back. I also found a sense of community there, bonding with other night owls like myself.  Safe to say it was incredibly rewarding. 

Since graduating from Chester, I’ve gone on to begin my PhD at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, working on a project that I’m truly proud of. What I love most about the work I do now is that it goes beyond conducting research about people. Instead, it centres the voices and lived experiences of the participants themselves. It is community-rooted, and engagement is at the heart of everything. 

The featured photo captures a proud moment after organising a successful participant engagement session to hear directly from people with lived experience. The project explores how the built environment influences breastfeeding practices. In doing so, it challenges the tendency to place responsibility solely on individuals and instead asks whether their surroundings are truly enabling their choices. It aims to offer insights into a structural but often overlooked aspect of public health, especially for communities whose stories are rarely prioritised in research. 

To me, that’s meaningful work. 

If I could offer any advice to current or future students, especially those coming from abroad or stepping into a new environment, it would be this: start small, but start. It can feel overwhelming, and there will be moments when you’d rather shrink back — but don’t let that stop you from stepping forward. Your degree is important, but it’s not the only thing you should walk away with.

Explore the resources available to you; they exist for a reason: you. Depending on your career path, explore the Careers and Employability services for feedback, volunteer roles, and short-term work opportunities. It may feel like a lot at the time, but the years go by quickly, and those experiences may become the very things that set you apart on your journey. Make the most of it.