Bitten by the travel bug at an early age, Tourism and Travel Management BA student Kerri Howe explains the worries she had about going back to university as a mature student.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Kerri and I am 41 years old. I am from Walthamstow, east London but now live near Stansted Airport in Essex. I work at London Stansted Airport and have done so for five years.
What brought you to London Met?
I have worked in the travel industry since the year 2000 in various positions including management, but feel I need to study at degree level now to enhance my career options as I had a gap in my career when I became a mother.
What does studying at London Met mean to you?
Studying at London Met means so much to me. I was scared when I initially applied as I was a mature student with a child and work commitments. Also, as I have been out of education for so many years I thought I would have to do the course with a foundation year. But to my surprise London Met gave me an unconditional offer due to the years of work experience I have within my chosen area of study.
Tell us about your course.
I find my course fascinating and at times challenging but I know all the hard work will be worth it and I cannot wait to graduate and explore what options lie ahead of me. The course has so many different modules as tourism is such a vast topic.
How has your course prepared you for the world of work?
The course will help enhance my work opportunities and enable me to progress to a higher level within the airport where I work.
What is your biggest passion in life and where did that passion come from?
My biggest passion in life is travelling foreign continents and seeing the world. Since starting work in a travel agency in 2000, I caught the travel bug and have been travelling and working in the industry ever since.
What drives you?
My family and my thirst for adventure/travelling drives me!
What’s the proudest moment in your life?
At the moment my proudest moment was having my daughter but I think if/when I graduate that will be another proud moment in my life.
Tell us a little bit about your interests outside of uni and why they are important to you.
Outside of university I enjoy travelling, whether it’s overseas or domestic. I love going to new places and exploring what delights they have to offer. I particularly enjoy going to the beach, exploring places of cultural interest and days out that range from adventurous activities to calm chilled-out days on the beach.
What do you hope to do when you graduate?
When I graduate I hope to reach a higher level within my career at the airport, gain a better work/life balance and spend more leisure time travelling.
Do you have any advice for anyone else considering studying at London Met?
For anyone thinking about going to uni, I would say definitely go for it! London Met has a great atmosphere. It’s also so diverse with students from all over the world and you come together with others that share similar interests as yourself. There are so many social events and great things to do and get involved with.
Is there anything else we didn’t ask about that you’d like to mention?
I think whatever course you want to do, the staff are excellent and really helpful. Fellow students are also a great source of help and support. The University is in a great location for socialising outside of university, the Uni also have a nightclub/bar to hang out in with friends. Its generally just a great place to study in. I slotted in immediately even though I am a older student and have been made to feel very welcome on campus by staff and students.
Photo: Kerri pictured with her mum
"For anyone thinking about going to uni, I would say definitely go for it! London Met has a great atmosphere. It’s also so diverse with students from all over the world and you come together with others that share similar interests as yourself."