State of The Coast (SOTC)

Originally from South Yorkshire, I grew up as an active individual thriving in the outdoors. At 18, I began working as an apprentice outdoor activity instructor in the heart of the Peak District National Park. This role led me to coach and instruct activities such as stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kayaking, canoeing, and camping. My work took me across the globe to places like China and Hong Kong, where I engaged with diverse clientele from various cultures, faiths, and organizations. Through these activities, I developed a deep sense of environmental stewardship, particularly regarding the oceans. The COVID-19 pandemic brought my work in mainland China to a halt, necessitating my return to the UK. With no degree or higher education to rely on, I decided to take control of my career by becoming a freelance outdoor instructor. Simultaneously, I enrolled at the University of Aberdeen. 

Ten years after starting as an apprentice, I now have a solid clientele of businesses seeking my instructor services and I am about to begin my fourth year of a BSc in Marine Biology. In 2023, I added a Divemaster internship to my repertoire of skills, further developing myself professionally. This, alongside my degree, has helped me better understand the dynamics of our natural environments and how humans interact with them. My aim is to leverage my past and present experiences and skills to highlight information regarding the coastal environment within the North East Scotland Marine Region. I plan to achieve this through surveying, data collection, and analysis, enabling policymakers and the general public to make informed decisions when visiting and developing the region.