Humans of Portsmouth - Lara's Story

[At the moment, what's on your mind?] Honestly, I’m a bit worried about deadlines, graduation, and everything coming to an end. I can’t believe how quickly third year has gone. I remember my tutor saying, ‘Oh yeah, third year will finish really fast’ and I didn’t believe him but here I am, and it's all wrapping up. It feels a bit weird.

[What are you studying?] I'm studying biochemistry and I love it. I’m so glad I chose it. I’ve genuinely enjoyed all the topics we’ve covered, and I know this is the field I want to go into. I want to get my PhD in it. I’m passionate about biochem. It fascinates me, and I can definitely see myself working in this area long-term.

[Tell me a bit about your background. What brought you to Portsmouth?] I’m from a small village in Somerset. I came to Portsmouth mainly because of the university. It wasn’t even a choice I thought too hard about at first. I applied because the course was accredited and sounded interesting. I ended up getting an unconditional offer, which sealed the deal. In the end, I just kind of ended up here but I’m so glad I did. I’ve made so many good friends, met my boyfriend… Everything worked out better than I expected.

[Do you like it here?] So far I’ve had some really lovely summer trips to the Common. Barbecues, chilling in the sun, that kind of thing. Or even just walking along the beach at night, it’s really fun.

[When are you at your happiest?] When I have no deadlines. Just relaxing with friends, everything in order, and I know what’s going on is when I feel most content. [Do you find deadlines stressful?] I like being busy and having things to do, but when something’s looming over me, I don’t like that feeling. Honestly, that’s most days. If I know I have something due, I get stressed. I think I’m just a stressed individual in general. This interview’s just going to be: ‘Here’s Lara. She’s stressed.’

[Who means the most to you?] If I had to choose anyone, it would probably be my mum. She’s always been there for me, from when I was little. Obviously, she did give birth to me, that's how it starts! But seriously, she’s always supported me. She’s never tried to make decisions for me. She’d say, ‘It’s your life, your choice. I’ll support you no matter what.’ I’ve always appreciated that. I was never forced into anything and she's been really supportive and really there for me.

[What would you say is your greatest struggle?] Probably overthinking. I do it a lot. Sometimes it helps me, but other times it just feeds unnecessary anxiety. It’s something I’ve struggled with for a long time but I think it’s just how my brain works, I guess. [Does it ever overwhelm you?] Yeah, sometimes but when it gets too much I try to change my environment. Go for a walk to the beach, clear my head. Sometimes just physically moving helps get me out of the headspace. I’ll go to the gym, or even pop to Lidl for snacks.

[Where do you see yourself in a few years?] I hope I’ve finished my master’s and maybe even started or completed my PhD, depending on the timing. I’m really interested in genomics, especially in relation to Alzheimer’s. I’d love to research it from an epigenetic perspective by looking at how brain changes happen on a molecular level, rather than just treating symptoms with drugs. I think it’s a promising area for preventative research and therapy. That’s the path I’d love to go down. Although, it depends on what’s out there and what’s funded, of course.

[Tell me something about you that might surprise me] Hmm… I can play the ukulele! I got one in year 8 and just started messing around with it. I’m not amazing, but I can play well enough. I sort of just kept going with it.

[Were you involved in the Student Union? If so, how?] Yeah, I’ve worked at the Student Union since second year. I’ve also been part of a few societies. In first year I joined the Show Choir, and then in second year I ended up on the society’s committee. I’ve always been part of the Biological Society too. [You were part of the Show Choir?] Yeah, although in second year the committee kind of fell apart because no one wanted to run it, so we had to create a new group. That’s how Karaoke Society was born and I am their Social Secretary. I am a committee member of the Biological Sciences society as well and sometimes it’s a bit of a struggle, especially when turnout is low. But, there’s not much you can do. 

[What's been your proudest moment so far?] I think it’ll be graduating from my undergrad. It'll be my first graduation out of (hopefully) three. Just knowing I made it through and everything I did over the last three years paid off, that’ll be a really proud moment. And I’ll definitely be celebrating with some prosecco!