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Alumnus reflects on his time as a mature student

Alumnus reflects on his time as a mature student

Published: 05 Jun 2023

Andrew Ashenhurst

Be brave, be confident, take your leap into the unknown

Andrew, Undergraduate, Alumni

Volunteer at Oxfam, Retired/Oxfam

Psychology and Social Anthropology - 1992

From UK

Previous Institution

Maidstone Grammar School - GCE

Tell us about your educational and/or career journey since you graduated from Brunel.

After Brunel, l took an MA in Medical Anthropology at SOAS. l then took a PGCHE at the University of Kent

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

As a volunteer at Oxfam l price books and clothing, decide what to keep, steam clean clothes ready for sale

What’s been the highlight of your career journey so far?

Being a lecturer in Medical Anthropology at the University of Kent

How would you say your Brunel experience has helped you to get where you are today?

Brunel took me on aged 43 with no GCEs. While at Brunel, l won a Fulbright scholarship and spent a year at the University of New Mexico exploring the high dropout rate of Native American students at UNM. I interviewed Navajo and Pawnee students among others. I left with a 2:1(Hons). l then took a Medical Anthropology MA at SOAS. Brunel took a chance with me which l will always appreciate. Brunel helped me realise that l was a lot more intelligent than l thought l was.

Why did you choose to study at Brunel and why would you recommend Brunel to others?

l was living in NW London, so it was nearest to me. I had a great time at Brunel. My Fulbright year was magic. Brunel gave me my big break.

What is your best memory of studying here?

Once again, my Fulbright year at the University of New Mexico. Being a golden oldie l was happy to be accepted by fellow students half my age.

If you could give one piece of advice to current Brunel students, what would that be?

Be brave, be confident, take your leap into the unknown

What would be your top tip or key advice for new graduates as they begin their career journey after leaving Brunel?

Start thinking about your career in your penultimate year, this will help you to focus in your final year.

#IamBrunel