My time at College was pivotal in preparing me for university. It was also where I discovered my love of Philosophy, which later became my degree subject. I will always remember the supportive community. It gave everyone a strong foundation as they began their A levels, while the lovely campus was perfect for both studying and socialising. The independence of College life helped me gain skills that I would need at university and beyond. It taught me to take steps for myself and develop a sense of personal responsibility.

I was particularly impressed by the support available through tutorials, the help I received when applying to university and the continued offer of support throughout my time at College. The combination of strong teacher support and opportunities for independent study made the transition to university much easier. I know many people at university who cannot say the same. It made the jump feel far less intense and continued to help me thrive throughout my undergraduate degree.

Without my time at College, I do not think I would have discovered my passion for Philosophy. I was encouraged to explore that interest, take risks and look beyond the curriculum. Staff were always happy to talk outside teaching time about other topics, suggest ways to delve more deeply into them and recommend useful resources.

After leaving College, I studied Philosophy at the University of Sussex. I wrote dissertations on psychoanalysis and film, and on contemporary reinterpretations of Marx in relation to ideological experience. I am also just wrapping up a Master’s in Social and Political Thought now I have my job!

Alongside my studies, I became immersed in university life through the Students’ Union and a number of societies. Joining the Forest Garden Society helped me develop environmental skills, while I also became involved with community groups supporting disabled, working-class and queer students.

Community organising became an important part of my life, both at the university and in Brighton. I helped to found a campaign supporting humanitarian work in the Middle East. Through bake sales, we raised more than £4,000 with a further £1,500 raised through a fundraising gig.

I also made the most of academic opportunities outside my course by presenting at research conferences and having a book chapter published about the relationship between language and revolutionary theorists.  I then chose to continue at Sussex by progressing to a Master’s in Social and Political Thought, specialising in ideological rituals and the ways in which economic structures influence behaviour and belief.

I spent over two years working part-time at the Students’ Union, including as a Retail Duty Manager. I also threw myself into its events and initiatives and stood for election as a full-time officer. 

As part of that, I won my election to become full-time Education and Employability Officer at the Students’ Union, so I am now a trustee and director of the Students’ Union and the University of Sussex overseeing a budget of over £300,000,000 a year. My job involves leading on student voice, working on national and local political projects, leading the Students’ Union, meeting with the most senior staff in the university, sitting on its supreme governing body and representing over 15,000 students, fighting to improve the student experience. It is truly the best job in the world, and I could not encourage students to run for sabbatical officer roles more!

My advice to current students is to take seriously the idea that the most important consideration when deciding what to do is what you care about and feel passionate about, rather than what appears safest or easiest. Taking a risk to pursue something you genuinely care about can be much more gratifying.

For anyone interested in Philosophy, I would also recommend taking the opportunities that come your way, even if they do not initially sound especially appealing. One thing I have learnt is that there is no boring area of Philosophy. Each area is filled with people who are immensely driven by their subject, and they will find a way to capture your interest. Also, take every opportunity you get! It’s always the things you expect least that end up making it all worth it.

Jay Lynch
Reigate College: 2020-2022
Higher Education: BA (Hons) Philosophy and then MA Social and Political Thought, University of Sussex
Currently: Education and Employability Officer, University of Sussex Students’ Union