This academic year, the Arts and Culture team have six brand new interns, and we’re also welcoming back two of last year’s team. We’ve asked them all to introduce – or reintroduce – themselves in a blog post.  

Hi, I’m Chido—a Biomedical Engineering student by day and an Arts and Culture Intern by passion. This is my third year studying Biomedical Engineering and my second as an Arts and Culture Intern, so allow me to reintroduce myself. 

I know it might seem like an odd mix—engineering and arts. But to me, they’re both about creativity, problem-solving, and exploring different ways to connect with the world. I’ve never quite fit the mould, and this internship has been a chance to lean into that, embracing every unexpected opportunity that comes my way. 

My journey began that afternoon I was interviewed by the lovely team in Coleridge House. Since then, I’ve had the chance to explore so much—from working front of house and connecting with the wonderful guests we host, to developing my skills as a content creator. One of the most memorable parts of my role was a chance to sit down with the Rt Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin, a conversation that taught me about resilience and the power of storytelling. It’s these moments—big and small—that have shown me how arts and culture connect us all, even across different fields. 

Along the way, I’ve gained some invaluable skills. Through content creation, I’ve learned the art of storytelling—an unexpected but valuable skill that will help me communicate complex ideas in the engineering world. Working front of house has taught me about people and the impact of empathy, which I know will carry forward into any future team I’m a part of.  

As I head into the coming year, I’m excited to keep learning, growing, and pushing the boundaries of what’s “usual” for me. Whether it’s connecting with more guests, experimenting with new creative projects, or simply finding ways to blend my engineering and arts background, I can’t wait to see where this journey leads.