Katy Duncan

I left school nine years ago and became a chef, I worked and travelled. Whilst travelling, I would spend most days up hills or in the water, and I realised I wanted to find a way to make this my normality. I have always had strong opinions on the importance of outdoor education so this course felt like it was made for me.   

I got the chance to do expeditions and water-based NGB awards. The knowledge I gained allowed me to work as a Trip Leader in America over the summer and this confirmed my choice to study Adventure Education and how much I agree with what is being taught.   

After graduation:  I've successfully been guiding canoe expeditions in the Great Glen for two years and I absolutely love it. I work for Aberlour Child Care Trust at the same time, in a local children's residential home. Both jobs give me great opportunities to use my interests in the outdoors, cooking, and people!

The plan since finishing uni is to continue my journey into the land of Adventure and the outdoors with vulnerable young people. I'm hoping to continue my own learning as I recently gained a spot on Paddle Scotlands Women's Development Programme. I hope to complete my Sea Kayak Leader and White Water Canoe Leader through this. I also plan to sit my Summer Mountain Leader Assessment in October. Very exciting times ahead, and very grateful to SOAS for giving me the opportunity to discover something I'm so passionate about!