Let's say hello to...
Getting Comfortable Out of My Depth
Hello! I’m Lorna, Student Engagement Assistant at HWUnion, and I’m originally from Manchester. Half of my family is from Edinburgh, so the city has always felt like a second home. I’m also a Marine Biology student at Heriot-Watt, and one of the things I love most about studying here is the facilities, especially the labs and aquariums.
My route to marine biology was anything but straightforward. When I was 18, I applied for one particular degree but didn’t get in. My mum decided I needed to get out and do something, so I travelled to Egypt, where I completely fell in love with scuba diving. That turned into the next two and a half years of my life, working in the scuba diving industry and travelling between countries. Although Egypt will always have a special place in my heart. Its ocean, culture and history are beautiful, but it's the underwater world that keeps pulling me back.
Working in diving also introduced me to something I’m really passionate about: ocean conservation and education. I’ve seen coral reefs change over the years, with less marine life, more pollution and colours becoming duller. Being able to witness that first-hand makes me want to educate people about what’s happening and encourage them to care about protecting our oceans.
I found my way into the Union because I wanted to feel more connected to university life. Being a first-year student who wasn't quite an 18-year-old fresher, I initially found it difficult to find my place. Rather than stay on the sidelines, I decided to get involved and help make that experience better for others too.
My role involves plenty of behind-the-scenes work, but it's all about looking at things from a student perspective. I've loved being involved in the Larder and, more recently, Libs After Six, a collaboration with Ellie to turn our café into a welcoming third space where students can spend time together. The Union value I connect with most is empowering. I love seeing people realise what they're capable of, whether that's making a difference to student life or overcoming a personal fear.
Outside university, I teach people to dive with sharks. There's something incredible about watching someone overcome their fear and trust themselves to do something they never thought possible. And yes, I quite literally throw people into shark tanks!
Ways to get in touch with me...