After graduating during the Covid-19 pandemic in the summer of 2020, Laura Pauletto is delighted to be returning to Aberdeen to finally celebrate her graduation in style.
She said: “Returning for a graduation celebration is extremely exciting. I am incredibly happy to be provided with this opportunity, after two years since I graduated. I am thankful to be able to finally celebrate this achievement with my family in the place where this wonderful journey started.”
Originally from Italy, Laura Pauletto (24) had dreamt of studying in the UK but admits it took her a little time to adapt to her new home when she started her MA in International Relations and Sociology.
“I will not hide that at the beginning it was a bit challenging to settle down in a new country, especially dealing with some moments of homesickness. However, thanks to the support I received at the University, as well as my involvement in various activities and societies, I felt part of the University of Aberdeen community.”
After acclimatising to her new surroundings, Laura was happy to know she had made the right choice in choosing to study in Aberdeen.
“I knew that the University of Aberdeen is a renowned institution that could provide me with high-quality teaching, numerous co-curricular as well as extra-curricular opportunities, and various chances to get immersed in an international environment. It really sounded like the perfect place to start my undergraduate studies!”
As part of her time in Aberdeen, Laura spent a full academic year studying in France as part of the Erasmus programme. She describes the full experience as “very rich and intense”.
“When my first year started, I immediately realised that studying at the University of Aberdeen would have allowed me to receive an excellent academic preparation. Moreover, I met people from numerous different backgrounds who contributed to make me grow as a person and with whom I am still in touch.”
In addition to her studies, Laura was actively involved in a number of University societies.
“Since my first year I got involved in numerous societies. I started doing some volunteering with Aberdeen Amnesty International Society, and I was part of Aberdeen Aikido Club. Then, during my third year I became a member of Aberdeen University Italian Society and Aberdeen University Sociology Society, and in my fourth year I became a member of the committee of the latter, as Academic Liaison. This was really a meaningful experience, since it allowed me to share my passion for Sociology with other students, organising events and sharing ideas about sociological issues. Further, I started to be engaged in several volunteering activities, which was a great way to learn new skills, while meeting other people and giving something back to the university community.”
Laura is currently doing a master’s in Sociology and Social Research at the University of Trento in Italy, but is already looking forward to her next step.
“I definitely think about what to do afterwards, and I wish that I will soon put to good use the skills and knowledge that I acquired throughout this path since the time I arrived in Aberdeen! The time spent at the University of Aberdeen flew really fast, but those four years are unforgettable since they have been crucial for my personal development.”