Natalie Griffiths

What are your top 3 favourite things about Swansea?

As an outdoor advocate, I really enjoy that the Gower is on the doorstep, there is so much for me to do and for me it is a great opportunity to switch off my ‘Uni Brain’ and have some time to myself in the outdoors focussing on my mental wellbeing. Swansea has a bit of everything: There’s rural and the busy centre. The sea and beautiful beaches. It’s got good food, good markets and there’s always something going on. Food wise as well, I have never known to there to be so many Vegan restaurants in such a small area.

Why did you choose to study your degree at Swansea?

For me I already had a degree so my funding opportunities were limited to undertake another course. Swansea came out on top with the opportunity for the NHS bursary funding.

What is your favourite thing about your course?

I have really enjoyed the placements. Being on placement translates to your ‘real world job’ as a Paramedic that you're aiming to get when you finish the course. I have had placements all over Wales, From Wrexham and Llanidloes in the North, Pembrokeshire in the West and down to Swansea and Cardiff in the South. I have experienced a wide range of settings from ambulance placements to palliative care wards, maternity units, theatres and community mental health settings and have equally learnt a wide range of clinical skills in all areas.

What are you planning/hoping to do after you graduate?

I am hoping to get a job as Paramedic with an aim to progress into wilderness/expedition medicine in the future.

Would you recommend Swansea University to other students?

Yes. The university is working towards being as eco considerate as possible and this is reflective in the SU events and societies. I have also had experience of personal support from the SU and have been extremely grateful for the support I have received.

Are you part of a society?

I am the President and Founder of the Paramedic Society, a Paramedic Representative – Pre-Hospital, and a member of the Emergency Medicine Society (PHEMS), the Tree Society, the Planting Society and Wild Swimming Society.