Beth ODoherty

Where are you from?

Newcastle upon Tyne 

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle? 

I felt totally unprepared to move out but I was blessed with an amazing University right on my doorstep. I went to the Open Day and everything seemed really professional. I was able to talk to graduates who had started their own companies and were producing amazing shows and comedy nights. I could totally see myself doing the things they'd described in the course content. I knew as soon as I walked away I had to get in.

What do you think of Newcastle and our region and what are your favourite things to do? 

Newcastle never disappoints. For me personally, I love going to gigs at the O2 or the Metro Radio Arena. They're both massive and cater to all tastes. As a thespian I'm always looking for stuff at the Theatre Royal. Nothing beats seeing Blood Brothers there a good couple of years ago though. A couple of my friends do a Zombie walk every year if that's your sort of thing. And there always seems to be a Vintage Fair to look forward to. Even if your not going to an event, just a walk down to the Quayside is beautiful.

Did you find Northumbria University welcoming?  Was it easy to fit in?

Northumbria was very welcoming. It's all goes down in Welcome Week. Billions of smiling faces and  freebies making sure any nerves fizzle away. And there's also introductory sessions meaning you meet course mates really early on which sets you up for the rest of the year.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

Joining Drama Society! Hands down! I can't stress how much I love these guys, I thoroughly recommend it.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria? 

My course mates. There's someone in my classes that's my soul-friend and she's came all the way over from Slovakia. I've made best friends from all over the place and that still blows my mind. Get ready to meet some incredible people.

Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?

Too many to mention but I really need to give a shout out to Claire Turner. She's the Volunteer Coordinator and she's so utterly brilliant! She's just so caring and approachable and lovely and passionate. She was born for this role and she can't be thanked enough.

What is your favourite place on campus? 

Stage 2 in the Students' Union! Just because it's my second home and holds happy memories.

Have you joined any sports teams, clubs or been involved in any volunteer projects?  Tells us about the highlights?

I've actually started my own! Myself and two other lovely ladies started the Dog Walking project. We started talking about it in Raise and Give Week (best week of your life) and we got it off the ground in a couple of months! It's been incredible. We managed to run two sessions at a local shelter and met the cutest dogs and cats ever!

What is the best thing about your course? 

The class I ended up in. We're completely different but we've gelled really easily and are so unconditionally supportive of eachother.

What are the most valuable lessons you have learnt to date?

If you want to do something, do it! Be the one to fill a gap, you'll get nothing but support and praise.

What do you want to do in the future?  What skills have you learned/improved that you think will be of most use in your future career?

I want to work in the Disney parks as a character. My year at Northumbria has gave me the GO GET EM' attitude for my audition. I've learnt loads about socialising and working with people that you think are strangers, but you won't be for very long.

If you could offer some advice to students thinking of coming to study here what would you say? 

Dishing out the cliche, you really are the only person that can hold yourself back. Don't be afraid of being committed to a society, the time you think you'll be giving up will be the most rewarding time of your life! Do Rag Week! All the nicest people do Raise and Give and all the other volunteer stuff. Don't wait for people to come to you, have the nerve to introduce yourself.

How do you feel you have changed as a person since being at Northumbria University, Newcastle (e.g. confidence)? 

It's so nice being around people that actually want to be part of the same line of work. I've actually matured. I feel like a contributing member of society thanks to the massive volunteer sector.

If you had 3 words to sum up your time with us what would they be? 

Beyond my dreams.

Would you recommend Northumbria University to a friend?

I already have, I can't sing it's praises enough!