"From the age of fourteen I was determined to study at Harper Adams," says Emily Wallace.

From a young age, Emily Wallace had the determination to study at Harper Adams, and once she was here, her degree programme catalysed her career ambitions.

“The depth and breadth of my course was astounding, but it was my placement year with The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association which made me realise what career I wanted,” says graduate.

“Some days we would meet the potential owners, catch up with the families who we had placed dogs with, or just train the dogs… but no matter what the day entailed, I always went home knowing that what I was doing could change someone’s life.”

Emily, from Shrewsbury, Shropshire adds: “I would love to go back and work with Guide Dogs, but if that doesn’t happen, I would want to pursue a career with training working dogs,” says the Student Union Vice President’s

Emily’s placement also influenced her final-year Honours Research Project.

 “I did my project on fear and aggressive behaviours in guide dogs during training and the effects of these behaviours on withdrawals from the training programme.

“I had some difficulties with the end of my Project, but with the help of my supervisor, Annabel Beaver, and the rest of my lecturers, I got all the support I needed to complete it, says the Shawbury Young Farmers Club member.

“All the staff at Harper Adams are so supportive and care about their students, my friends had a very different experience at their universities and that makes me so much more appreciative of what’s on offer here in Edgmond.”

The 22-year-old knew since secondary school that she wanted to work with animals and volunteered at local veterinary practices and rehoming centres in her spare time.

“Most of the staff members I worked with were Harper graduates, and they constantly told me amazing things about Harper Adams. That was what prompted me to look at the university.

“From the age of 14, I was determined to study at Harper Adams, and when the time came to apply for university, I had not changed my mind, I was studying at Harper or not at all.”

Was Harper Adams everything she thought it would be when she was in secondary school?

“Yes! It has honestly been the time of my life, I don’t have a specific highlight from my four years here, because I’ve loved it all.”