By Jenna Min Schmidt, 3rd Year Physics BSc
People aren’t born leaders. Rather, it is their experiences that make them grow into roles of leadership. From startng out as a chaotc physics student to leading our university’s symphony orchestra as president and winning a science award along the way – my time at King’s is nothing short of excitng. I warmly invite you to come along with me for a ride down memory lane as I reflect on my student life at King’s College London as a woman in STEM and leadership, and how King’s has made it possible for me to flourish in what I do.
Before we get into my studies at King’s, let me introduce myself: My name is Jenna and I am a German-Korean student who has lived in England the past few years. I started my Physics undergraduate degree in September 2022 and I’m currently in my final year. What do I want to do after my degree? Never ask a final year student what they want to do after their degree. I shall tell you nonetheless. I am planning to pursue (yet another) degree, more specifically a Master’s research degree in Natural Sciences and Life in the Universe.
When I arrived at King’s, I asked myself “What do I want to get out of this degree?”. Besides the obvious academic benefits of a Physics degree at King’s, I really wanted to embrace the student culture and grow on a personal level. I cannot urge students enough to engage in the social life at King’s, as this is where it all started for me. Though I am an extrovert, as per multiple moderately accurate online personality tests, I deeply believe that King’s student culture is a place for everyone.
I was surprised by how easily first year students could join not just societies, but their (sub-)commiCees as well. So, my first role in a committee was part of the Marketing Team at KCL Space Society. And let me tell you, I did not do a good job at this marketing thing. But that is the great thing about university – you try new things, you make mistakes and you learn. And never ever be frustrated or discouraged when you do make a mistake! Be proud of yourself for trying.
In my first year, I also started playing in the KCL Symphony Orchestra (KCLSO) and through my passion for music and people, I became the orchestra’s social secretary and wellbeing officer during my second year, and was later elected president in my final year. How great is it to be able to organise events such as film nights, drawing and crafting sessions, or hot chocolate tastings? As a committee member, you truly have all creative freedom to craft projects according to your vision, while also having the support of King’s services by your side to help.
Alongside this, I was also thoroughly enjoying my second year Experimental Physics module. Doing your degree is not just a time of intense academic study, but it is more importantly a time of getting to know yourself. You might start out your degree with a certain interest in one area, only to realise that you actually enjoy an entirely different area. Similarly, I started my journey with a great interest in theoretical Astrophysics, and realised during my second year that I thoroughly enjoy the applied side of Physics rather than the theoretical. My love for Experimental Physics got even stronger when I received an award for my lab performances!
King’s regularly gives out awards, prizes and medals to honour students’ achievements and engagement at university. So, do well in your class – it might earn you an award! I mentioned in the introduction that I “started out as a chaotic Physics student” – well, I still am said chaotic Physics student. But over the course of my degree, I learned to embrace who I am. To quote one of my favourite authors: “Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken” (Oscar Wilde).
I cannot believe I am where I am today. However, looking back on my journey, I am just a girl with a passion, and a stubbornness to not let go of it. King’s is not just an academic institution. It is a community that allows you to explore your passions, find your people, grow your talents, rethink one or the other life decision and move from teenage years to (semi) adulthood. It is a place to be your true self and by doing so, flourishing in whatever you do.
Thank you, King’s!
Leave a Reply