Isobel

Programme of study

BA (Hons) Economics and Philosophy

Tell us a bit about your background

I was raised in Catral, Spain for my early childhood. My family moved back to the UK after the 2008 economic crash to access better financial support.

I spent the rest of my education based in West Sussex attending comprehensive schools. My dad passed away in my final year of college. Thanks to support from my college and community, I was able to take my A-levels a year late and attend the University of York.

Why did you want to get involved with the Student Expert Panel?

Coming to the university as an independent, first-generation and state-educated student, I feel strongly about raising the visibility of these voices.

I am also looking forward to working with other Student Expert Panel members to discuss initiatives and events, and to meet other like-minded people.

What are you involved with at York, and what are you interested in outside of your studies?

Alongside my degree, I’m the Department Community Coordinator for PPE. My role involves planning socials for students and promoting department participation.

I have a huge passion for arts and crafts, and last year I founded the university Crafts Society. We’ve had great success, achieving local and national awards. It has been a pleasure developing my hobby into something greater than myself. I went on to become YUSU Special Interest Rep to forward the representation of other niche hobbies at York.

This year I published my first research paper through the Laidlaw Foundation. My work focuses on the socioeconomic implications of the metaverse - particularly on disabled communities. I really enjoyed this, and hope to further my findings with in-field work next summer. Additionally, I am interning within the university’s colleges department, researching the implications of paid and unpaid roles within the colleges system.