Featured student of the month - Emma Taplin

Posted 1 June 2011

A monthly special featuring a current student from Harper Adams.

As well as working towards a food and consumer studies degree at Harper Adams, 18-year-old Emma Taplin, has been mentoring teenagers through the Aim Higher Associates programme.

Emma, from Lancaster, loves the idea of changing the perceptions of higher education, and through the Government-backed scheme, has been using her personal experiences to encourage and support pupils as young as 13.

Reflecting on the past year, Emma said: “I have experience of working with teenagers and it is very rewarding knowing I have made a difference to their lives and have hopefully given them more confidence to go to university.

“It was quite hard saying goodbye to them after the final session, not knowing where they might end up.”

Recently, Emma became Secretary of the Christian Union at the University College in Shropshire, and also works regularly as an ambassador.

She added: “It was the course that really sold Harper to me, as well as its reputation within the food industry.

“The location took a bit of getting used to as I’m not from a farming background, but now I really enjoy being in a rural environment.”

Although Emma has only completed the first year of her degree, she has still considered her plans for the future. She said: “My interest in nutrition has developed since I chose food for A-level and in the future I would love to work in new product development, although I’m keeping my options open for placement year.

“I love the thought of one day walking through a supermarket and seeing products that I have helped to create!”

As for advice for future students, Emma said: “Once you are here, seize every opportunity. I used to let opportunities pass me by thinking that they would be too much work, but Harper Adams has really helped me to improve my confidence and to just start going for things.”

For more information about Harper students and the Aim Higher Associates programme, visit http://www.harper-adams.ac.uk/press/article.cfm?ID=201052 or http://www.harper-adams.ac.uk/press/article.cfm?ID=2940&archive=true&year=2009