How long have you worked at the Uni? What does your role involve?
I started on January 4th 2010. I remember it really well because there was a snow storm that week and we had to leave the university mid-shift and travel home in a convoy, avoiding any hills. I’ve worked in Sports Development since then and have worked my way up to Sports Supervisor. I’ve always had a swimming background, so I became a lifeguard when I was 16, but spend less time on poolside these days. We’re in charge of operations, from opening and closing to preparing for events. I train up new lifeguards and take staff training. On my first course, 11 out of 12 passed first time, then the other person went through on their retake.
What would you most like to achieve while at the University?
I’m pretty happy with where I’m at to be honest. There’s a bit of a waiting game for the Duty Managers role. I can see myself at the University for many more years and love having a great team around me for support. I get on with everyone really well.
Name one thing that makes you feel proud to work at the University of Bath?
I think the sporting prowess. We won a lot of medals at the last Olympics. We’re really well known across the country.
What piece of advice would you like to give to a student?
Be patient, drink less alcohol and do something that scares you every day.
Who was your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Probably a primary school teacher called Mr Marshall. He just had this unique take on teaching, and he really stood out. He was very encouraging of me and my poetry, and my creative nature.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I went through a few little phases. I think I wanted to be in the army for a bit. Then a footballer, I dreamt about it so much that I believed it had happened! I just want to be happy, which isn’t really a job, but it’s important.
What’s the one thing you know now that you wish you’d known when you were younger?
You get out what you put in, and very rarely can you cut corners. I just think when I was younger I was always looking for the easy way out. It made whatever it was I was trying to do take up even more time.
What was your first job?
It was collecting eggs at my uncle’s farm.
If you could start your own dream business, what would it be?
I’ve already done it! It’s Pictures, Plants and Poetry. I love gardening so I grow my own plants. I teamed up with a local artist that I met at Bath Fringe Festival, and she puts really cool pictures to my poems. So the poem is on the back and her picture is on the front. I also have a poetry book I sell at craft fairs, especially at Christmas. It’s a nice way to meet people and I get to perform a little bit too.
Where is your favourite holiday destination and why?
I’ve travelled quite a lot, but I’d say Vietnam and New Zealand. Vietnam because of the people I met and the beauty of the country. It’s really cheap too! In New Zealand I did the Kiwi Experience, travelling around the whole country on a big green bus doing extreme sports.
What’s your favourite book or album and why?
I’ll plug my own book here: Dragonfly Poetry. I’m happy to do signed copies for people too! It’s all about the cycles of nature, the Sun, Moon and Stars and the joy of life, revelling in the magic and mystery of the everyday. Email me if you are interested mw442@bath.ac.uk
When are you happiest?
When I’m beyond thought. I’m happiest when I’m in a flow state, where you don’t really think about what you’re doing or saying, everything has just clicked. That can be in an engaging conversation, or taking part in an activity like swimming. Everything just falls around you and you’re there in the moment. It’s like meditation. I think everyone should aspire to that because it’s great to be free from thoughts. I meditate most days and swim a lot too.
If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and why?
Probably Jesus, to see what all the hype is about. I’d maybe like to have a meeting with all the famous religious leaders and get some advice from them. I’m not really religious but I am quite spiritual. It would be nice to combine my love of the mystery of the universe and meet some spiritual gurus.
Which one superpower would you like to possess?
The power to have as many superpowers as I want! I’d probably try the power of transformation first, but I would need to know my body was safe. I’d also like to have the ability to not be affected by the atmosphere of different planets so I can go around and explore the galaxy.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I am actually quite shy, and when I tell people they’re like “no you’re not.” I am also aware of what’s going on with other people. No matter what state I’m in, I’m always really aware of others and being considerate.
Tell us your favourite joke
Doctor, Doctor, I feel like a pig.
How long has this been going on for?
About a weeeeeeeeeek!