Maths: Carys Grindley

Name:
Carys Grindley

Course:
Mathematics BSc

Hometown:
Nuneaton, Warwickshire

Favourite thing about Sheffield:
There are all the benefits of a big city, but it has the feel of a town. Everything you need at uni is within walking distance, but there is loads more to explore and the transport is really great (50p bus!). For example, the city centre is reasonably compact so is easy to just pop into to get what you need, but at the same time there is Meadowhall for a big shopping trip just a tram journey away. The town like aspects are something that I think made it easier to feel at home here, like I belonged.

Favourite thing about the University:
The Student’s Union! There is so much to do there, in addition to the many nights out. Sports clubs and societies have been a great way to meet new people and do something fun and active with my spare time. The Give it a Go system provides one off chances to try out something new. There is also RAG and SheffieldVolunteering which organise various charity fundraisers and volunteering opportunities. There are also helpful services such as the Job Shop and the Student Advice Centre. The union can be an essential place for support whilst at university.

Favourite thing about your department:
I think there is good communication online from the staff in the department. The website is filled with information and each module has its own detailed page in addition to the resources on MOLE2 (or an equivalent space). Regular emails are sent out, including a ‘Teaching Bulletin’ with what is happening in the department, so I always know what is going on. It is also possible to contact any lecturer if you need to.

Why you chose your course:
I did Maths, Further Maths and Chemistry at A-level (plus Business Studies AS) and wanted to continue with my studies so chose to do Chemistry with Mathematics MChem here at Sheffield. After the first year the course wasn’t what I expected and I had no choice in what modules I did , so I found myself doing more in areas of chemistry that I wasn’t interested in and hardly any maths. During second year I had decided that I didn’t want to pursue a career in chemistry, but wanted to do something involving maths, and maybe would be interested in a career using statistics. I switched course to single honours Mathematics BSc, and luckily was able to start at Level 2 without repeating anything due to the maths I’d done on my original course. Now I do 100% maths and get a choice of what modules I do so have been able to pick the areas which I prefer.

Career Aspirations:
After various volunteering events and placements relating to teaching I have discovered that it is something I would really like to do. I am applying to do a PGCE in Secondary Mathematics, so I hope to be doing that next year. From my degree I will obviously have the required subject knowledge, but during my time at university I have also developed useful transferable skills for teaching, such as communication skills and confidence.

What you hope to achieve as a Student Ambassador for Learning & Teaching:
Ideally I would like to improve some of the issues people have with learning in the department. It would be great to feel like I have made a positive difference to someone studying maths. Sometimes I find that the information people need is out there and they just don’t know where to look, so I would like to help with that. I also want to take it as an opportunity to develop further my confidence and communication skills.

Interests/Hobbies/Other activities:
I am Secretary of SUMS (Sheffield University Maths Society), play for the Intra Mural netball team Easy as Pi and am involved in the volunteering project where we made a Willy Wonka themed Maths workshop for primary schools, as well as the various socials – from nights out to laser quest to coffee mornings. This year I decided to join sports clubs instead of the gym, so now play korfball and have also started to play football. I also enjoy going to comedy events and live music.

Your top tip for studying:
Find somewhere where you (personally) work best. Whether this is the library, your bedroom or even a coffee shop. I find that I am most productive at Western Bank Library, and if I don’t go there during revision time I regret it because I won’t get as much done. But everyone is different so you have to decide yourself where works for you.