Sarah Cantrill

Honestly, I felt like I kind of fell into computer science. IT was compulsory for me in secondary school, and I ended up taking it in sixth form because I wasn’t sure what else to do and I got on with my teachers well. During those two years I really enjoyed all the different aspects of computer science, both technical and practical, and looked forward to learning more as it was such a big area with lots of different areas to specialise in. I felt like this was the only subject I genuinely enjoyed doing and could see myself taking any further. I think it just goes to show how a couple of amazing teachers can make such a massive impact.

I was very indecisive when it came to looking at the different Universities to study at, but once I saw the Edge Hill campus, I knew it was where I wanted to go. I thought the accommodation looked incredible, loved all the green spaces, and thought that the different buildings were very modern and impressive. I remember being shocked at the size of the Catalyst and all the technology in the Tech Hub that I would be able to have access to. My favourite part of campus is the silent floor in the Catalyst. Getting a coffee and being able to see the roof garden, the campus and all of Ormskirk has been so common during my degree it almost feels like my second home.

During my degree I have developed many skills to enhance my technical knowledge. I have developed my coding skills in various languages, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript and Python, through different coursework’s and projects. I’ve also improved on how I approach my work. I’m more motivated, pay closer attention to detail during development, and can apply the right skills throughout the entire design and construction process, not just in the final project. Most importantly though, my confidence has developed throughout this degree. When I first started at Edge Hill, I dreaded public speaking and talking to new people. If I was ever asked a question in a lecture, I felt like I wanted the ground to swallow me up. But now in my third year, I don’t even think twice about class presentations, I sign up to showcases and can happily network when there is the opportunity to. I have come out of my shell during my degree.

My most memorable moment was definitely winning the end of year showcase for my final project. I was very proud of the Text-To-Speech System I had developed and it felt great to know all the hard-work and research had paid off.

My favourite thing about this subject is how it is always evolving. There’s always new tools, functions, coding languages or something else to wrap your head around. There is always the chance to learn something new. When I graduate, I hope to get a job as a Full-Stack Web Developer or a Software Engineer back home in the West Midlands.

The best thing about Edge Hill for me has been the chance to figure things out on my own. Whether it’s learning how to do the food shop or staying up until 5 AM watching TV, it’s all helped me understand more about who I am and what I want to do, both in my career and in life in general.

My advice to anyone starting this course would be to not be afraid to ask questions and never feel embarrassed to give things a go. It’s better to try and make mistakes than not try at all, getting things wrong is the best way to learn and grow. During my degree, my lecturers have been incredibly supportive, not just in helping me develop technically, but also in encouraging a strong sense of community within my course. They’ve created an environment where we feel comfortable asking questions about coursework and projects, while also challenging us to step outside our comfort zones and keep learning.